Fast bowler Akash Deep has given head coach Gautam Gambhir credit for helping him succeed during India’s most recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy tour of England. With game-winning batsman and ball performances, the 28-year-old pacer, who played in three of the five Test matches, helped India win the trophy again with a 2-2 draw.
Prior to joining the team regularly under Gambhir’s stint, Akash Deep made his Test debut in February 2024 under Rahul Dravid. He was the third pacer on the England tour and toured Australia last year. Akash Deep, who missed the opening match at Leeds, helped India rally after losing the first match with an incredible 10-wicket performance in Birmingham.
His batting performance was also very important. In the series-deciding fifth Test at The Oval, he entered as a nightwatchman and scored 66, joining Yashasvi Jaiswal in a 131-run partnership to help India reach 396.
“You don’t know what you can do. You see, I told you that you could succeed. You must constantly play with this commitment. Gautam bhai is a really enthusiastic coach. He inspires us every time. According to India Today, which cited Gambhir, Akash Deep stated, “He believes in me more than I believe in myself, in both my batting and my bowling.”
He is an excellent captain: Akash Deep on Gill,
Shubman Gill, who was captaining India in the longest format for the first time, was also commended by Akash. Although there were early reservations about Gill being selected over more experienced players like Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul, the youthful captain amassed a series-high 754 runs, including four hundreds.
“He is an excellent captain. He’s not exactly a brand-new captain. His experience counts, and he has been an IPL captain for a few years, which is a significant platform. I didn’t feel like I was playing for the first time when Shubman was captain. He is really encouraging. It makes a huge difference when a captain supports you and has a thorough understanding of the situation, particularly when you’re feeling low. It wasn’t the first time, since I participated in the Duleep Trophy last year while he was captain. The pacer said, “He’s a cool customer with lots of ideas, and when someone is calm, it helps in making good decisions on the pitch.”
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