Indian pacer Akash Deep delivered a standout performance against England, crediting coach Gautam Gambhir’s unwavering support and strategic guidance for his success.
Akash Deep Shines at Edgbaston
During the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Akash Deep made a significant impact, securing four crucial wickets in England’s first innings. His impressive spell was a key highlight for the Indian team, complementing Mohammed Siraj’s six-wicket haul.
Akash Deep, who stepped in for the rested Jasprit Bumrah, quickly made his mark. He dismissed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in quick succession on the second day. Later, he broke the formidable 303-run partnership between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith by removing the well-set Brook.
Gambhir’s Backing: A Confidence Booster
Following his stellar performance, Akash Deep spoke about the crucial role coach Gautam Gambhir played in boosting his confidence. “He kept sharing his experience with me,” Deep stated. “What a player needs from a coach in terms of confidence, he has given me.”
Deep emphasized how Gambhir’s belief directly translated into his on-field performance. “When you know that your coach is backing you, then you get the confidence and it gets reflected in the match,” he explained. He also mentioned Gambhir and Morne Morkel constantly reminding him of his innate strengths, a significant source of motivation.
Mastering Challenging Pitches
The pacer also discussed the difficulties posed by the flat pitches encountered during the tour and England’s aggressive batting. He highlighted the importance of disciplined bowling and sticking to pre-planned strategies on such surfaces.
“As a bowler, you have things like disciplined bowling, bowling in your areas and bowling according to your plan in your hands,” Akash Deep remarked. He believes that by keeping things simple and executing plans, bowlers can navigate tough conditions more effectively, regardless of the outcome.
Strategic Partnership with Siraj
Akash Deep also shed light on his effective partnership with Mohammed Siraj, especially after England’s recovery from 84 for 5. The duo worked in tandem, using the second new ball to ensure England lost quick wickets.
“We kept talking about what’s working and what’s not working,” Deep revealed. Their primary focus was maintaining continuous pressure as a bowling pair, minimizing runs. He added that his role was to attack with the first new ball, while Siraj focused on containment, which allowed him to bowl more freely.
- Akash Deep’s four-wicket haul was crucial in limiting England’s first innings lead.
- Coach Gautam Gambhir’s confidence and guidance were key motivators for Akash Deep.
- Deep stresses disciplined, simple bowling plans as essential for success on flat pitches.
- His partnership with Mohammed Siraj focused on maintaining pressure and complementary roles.
With India holding a significant lead, the team will once again look to their pacers to deliver crucial breakthroughs as they push for a series-defining victory.
