India’s rising pace Akash Deep gave an amazing performance for India A in the ongoing first round Duleep Trophy 2024He stunned fans and selectors with his exceptional nine-wicket haul against India B in Bengaluru.
The pace bowler, representing India A, showed his growing prowess in red-ball cricket by playing a key role in dismantling India B’s batting line-up in the Duleep Trophy 2024. However, India A suffered a 76-run defeat against India B at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Akash Deep shines with nine wickets in Duleep Trophy 2024, credits Mohammed Shami for stunning show
Akash Deep, who claimed figures of 4 for 60 in the first innings and 5 for 56 in the second after India A vs India B, credited his rapid development to his senior teammate and India’s best temperament. Muhammad Shami.
Akash Deep’s remarkable performance was not just a flash in the pan; it was the result of his consistent learning process from one of India’s best fast bowlers, Mohammad Shami. The two share a close bond as they represent Bengal in domestic cricket.
Meanwhile, Akash Deep has openly revealed how Shami’s mentorship has been instrumental in sharpening his ball skills. What stood out in Akash’s recent outing was his ability to construct his dismissals in a way that kept the batsmen guessing, and the bowler said it was something he learned closely from Shami.
Notably, Akash showed impressive command over the movement of the seams and was often unsure whether the ball would swing or swing in Duleep Trophy 2024. This technique, perfected by Akash Deep under Shami, was on full display as India B consistently troubled the top order.
His ability to use the same spot to deliver both firemen and fairies has made him an unpredictable threat, and Shami’s strategic advice has helped the Bengal star develop this skill. Shami’s influence on Akash’s playing goes beyond technique.
Akash Deep talks about Mohammad Shami’s important tips
India’s senior pacer shared invaluable insights on patience and timing of key deliveries, encouraging him to rely on the natural movement of the ball rather than forcing it. It was evident in the game that Akash was waiting for the right moments to unleash game-changing deliveries as he bowled with remarkable control.
Akash Deep was quoted by ESPNCricinfo as saying, “I take feedback from him (Shami) because our bowling movements are very similar. When you bowl to a left-hander from around cover, the ball moves naturally towards the shiner. I talked to him (Shami) about how to return the ball (with an angle). I saw him do it.”
He signed off by saying, “He advised me not to take too much care in bringing it. He said that in time it will come automatically and when it does, it will become a keeper ball. Because if it keeps fading and then you can flash it back, it’s going to be tough for hitters. But he warned me not to try too hard. But like a bowler, if you can do that, then the batsmen will have a tendency to chase the balls.”
