Only a few months into his new post-retirement life, some cricket matches have become hazy memories for Manoj Tiwary. But there is one incident that the former Bengal captain vividly recalls: the revenge Ranji Trophy semifinal against Madhya Pradesh in February last year. “Akash Deep ne khol diya tha Rajat Patidar ko,” Tiwary reminisces.
The impact of Akash Deep’s performance in that match was undeniable. A five-wicket haul by the pacer had helped Bengal overturn the reigning champions and secure a spot in the final. “In domestic matches, when the chips are down, when not much is happening for the bowlers on slow, flat pitches, when bowlers look tired, you want someone to put their hand up and say, ‘I’ll do it.’ Akash Deep is that kind of player; he wants to take up that challenge. There have been countless instances where he has done that,” Tiwary explains.
This desire to rise to the occasion, combined with his ability to bowl accurately at pace, has elevated Akash Deep to an international level bowler. This journey has taken him from the lanes of a small town in Uttar Pradesh to the international cricket grounds, according to Tiwary.
Growing up in Varanasi, Green Park was the first international cricket stadium Akash Deep had ever heard of. He imagined the ground to be greener than what he eventually saw when he set foot in the stadium as an India cricketer. On his debut at this iconic venue, even the external fittings had shifted its traditional green hue to teal, a sight that intrigued Akash Deep.
As India contemplates their lineup for the second Test in Kanpur, there is speculation about dropping a pacer to include an additional spinner. Regardless of whether Akash Deep retains his spot in the team or not, his potential impact on the Test remains uncertain. One might wonder how a missed opportunity would affect a young, in-form fast bowler who is eager to climb the ranks in India’s fast bowling arsenal.
Akash Deep remains unfazed. His approach to his role is straightforward: “No matter how the wicket is, when I’m playing, my job is to bowl in the right areas. Even if the pitch is not in favor of fast bowlers, I have to take wickets. So, I have to make plans accordingly.”
In a brief ten-minute conversation two days ahead of the game, he continually emphasized the importance of ‘keeping it simple,’ a modern-day cliché often spoken more than practiced. Yet, his former Bengal captain, Tiwary, insists that ‘keeping it simple’ is indeed one of Akash’s core strengths, likening him to a ‘blindfolded horse.’ “When we play outside Kolkata, you want a bowler who bowls genuinely quick and in the right areas. In most of the country, we tend to get either batter-friendly or spin-friendly wickets. So, you need them to bend their backs a bit as fast bowlers. He is a blindfolded horse. Whatever you tell him as a captain, he obeys,” Tiwary elaborates.
Even in the favorable conditions in Chennai last week, ‘keeping it simple’ had its rewards. Akash operated effectively from around the wicket against the left-handers in the top order. “In the first innings, there was a bit of assistance,” Akash explained. “I’m more comfortable bowling around the wicket; it’s one of my strengths.
. I bowled one over over the wicket and then in the second over I felt that I was able to create some chances. The ball was swinging anyway, so I wanted to keep it simple. That helped. It wasn’t as if I wanted to go out and take wickets right away. I just wanted to bowl in the right areas.”
Although Akash Deep is only two Tests into his international career, his performances in home conditions have already made a significant impression. His entry into the team, despite the established presence of the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja, has been noteworthy.
“To play for India is every child’s dream. It’s a matter of great pride. But, in some ways, it’s also a responsibility when you’re filling the shoes of bowlers who have contributed so much to the country,” Akash Deep states. He acknowledges the support of his captain, which has eased the pressure of his role.
The guidance from India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, has also revolved around ‘keeping it simple.’ “Earlier I was hesitant about the kind of pressure I would be under when playing for India,” Akash Deep says, praising Rohit Sharma. “There was a bit of confusion. But when I entered the ground, Rohit bhaiya kept things so simple that I never felt like I was playing international cricket. I don’t think in my life I’ve ever had or will get such a sorted captain.”
Akash’s arrival in the national team is attributed to his performances in red-ball cricket rather than the IPL, signifying that he brings more than just pace to the table. “What makes him stand out are the areas that he bowls,” Tiwary asserts. “We’ve seen many genuine fast bowlers in domestic cricket, but they are not consistent in the areas they bowl. Genuine pacers tend to be wayward. His accuracy and areas have always been very good.”
Tiwary further notes Akash’s continual learning and evolution as a bowler, highlighting his variety and dedication. “With one variation, you can’t survive at the top level. He has gradually improved in that aspect as well. And obviously, his hunger, dedication, and honest hard work have set him apart. Even while playing for Bengal, one thing I always liked about his bowling was his tenacity to bowl at the same pace across the first, second, and third spell.”
Akash Deep’s availability in the Chennai Test was due to India’s decision to go with three seamers and the unavailability of Mohammad Shami due to injury. Having capitalized on that opportunity, Akash now hopes for another shot in the team. Despite potentially overwhelming childhood memories associated with Green Park, the pitch is unlikely to offer much for a fast bowler. Yet, as Tiwary suggests, perhaps that’s a challenge Akash Deep will be willing to embrace, putting his hand up if given the call.