Bengal fast bowler Akash Deep had a memorable outing in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, as he ended up picking 13 wickets in the series in six innings and was India's fourth-highest wicket-taker.
Having made his debut a year ago, Akash Deep came to prominence after Gautam Gambhir took over as India's head coach. The pacer made it to the Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year, where his impressive bowling caught several eyeballs.
However, it was only in the England tour that the 28-year-old truly realised his potential. Akash Deep's stellar form was a huge boost for the Indian team management, as the team's bowling lineup is no longer dependent on just star pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
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After an impressive tour of England, Akash Deep has now opened up on his equation with Gambhir and what the Indian coach told him after the tour.
Akash Deep reveals what Gambhir told him after the England tour
Speaking to India Today, the fast bowler said: "You aren't aware of your capabilities. See, I was telling you, you can do it. You have to play with this dedication always. Gautam bhai is a very passionate coach. He always motivates us. He believes in me more than I believe in myself, in both my batting and my bowling."
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Akash Deep also shared his opinion on the new Indian Test captain, Shubman Gill as he added: "He is a very good captain. It's not like he's a new captain. He's already been an IPL captain for a couple of years, which is a big platform, and that experience counts. With Shubman as captain, I didn't feel like I was playing for the first time. He's very supportive.
"When a captain backs you and understands things well, especially when you're down, it makes a big difference. I played in the Duleep Trophy under his captaincy last year, so it wasn't the first time. He's a cool customer with plenty of ideas, and when someone is calm, it helps in making good on-field decisions."
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What next for Akash Deep?
Akash Deep was initially included in East Zone's Duleep Trophy squad, but as per latest reports, the fast bowler is likely to miss the domestic competition on the advice of the BCCI. He will be back in action in October as India host West Indies and South Africa in back-to-back home Test series.