Only a few months into his new post-retirement life, some cricket games have become hazy memories for Manoj Tiwary. However, there is one incident that the former Bengal captain can recall with vivid clarity: the revenge Ranji Trophy semifinal against Madhya Pradesh in February last year. “Akash Deep ne khol diya tha Rajat Patidar ko,” he remembers saying.
A sterling five-wicket haul by the pacer had propelled Bengal past the reigning champions and into another final. “In domestic matches, when the chips are down, and not much seems to be happening for the bowlers on slow, flat pitches, you need a player to step up and accept the challenge. Akash Deep is that kind of player. Time and again, he has risen to the occasion when needed,” Tiwary asserts.
It is this unwavering commitment, coupled with his skill to bowl accurately at a brisk pace, which has elevated Akash Deep’s career from the lanes of a small town in Uttar Pradesh to international cricket grounds. Growing up in Varanasi, Green Park was the first international stadium Akash Deep knew of. He assumed the ground must be really green, given its name. However, upon walking into the stadium for the first time as an India cricketer, he found a much different hue; even the exterior fittings had transitioned from green to teal.
In the upcoming second Test in Kanpur, India might consider dropping a pacer to include an additional spinner. Regardless of whether Akash Deep continues to hold his spot in the team, it’s unlikely he will play a significant role in this game. How challenging would such a missed opportunity be for a young, in-form fast bowler aiming to climb up the ranks in the competitive world of fast bowling?
Akash Deep remains unfazed. His understanding of his role is straightforward: “No matter how the wicket behaves, when I am playing, my job is to bowl in the right areas. Even if the pitch doesn’t favor fast bowlers, I have to take wickets and adjust my plans accordingly.”
During a 10-minute chat two days before the game, Akash emphasized the importance of ‘keeping it simple.’ While this phrase has become a modern-day cliché, often more spoken than practiced, Tiwary insists it is one of Akash’s core strengths. Calling him a ‘blindfolded ghoda (horse),’ Tiwary elaborates, “When we play outside Kolkata, you need a fast bowler who bowls genuinely quick and targets the right areas. Across most venues in India, we get either batter-friendly or spin-friendly wickets. You need someone who can bend their back and give it their all. Akash is that kind of bowler. Whatever instructions you give him as a captain, he follows them to the tee.”
The mantra of ‘keeping it simple’ bore fruit even in the relatively favorable conditions in Chennai last week. Akash delivered an effective spell from around the wicket against left-handed top-order batsmen.
. “In the first innings, there was some assistance,” Akash explained. “I’m more comfortable bowling around the wicket; it’s one of my strengths. I tried over the wicket but felt I could create better chances from around the wicket. The ball was swinging, so keeping it simple worked. It wasn’t about going for wickets from ball one; it was about bowling in the right areas.”
Though Akash Deep’s career in Test cricket is nascent, with just two matches under his belt, he has already made a noticeable impact in an attack featuring the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja. His role has been clear since the beginning. “Playing for India is every child’s dream, a matter of great pride. But there’s also a responsibility when you’re filling the shoes of bowlers who have contributed significantly to the country,” he stated, crediting his captain, Rohit Sharma, for easing the pressure.
“The message from Rohit bhaiya was to keep things simple,” Akash added. “Initially, I was unsure about the kind of pressure I would face. But when I took to the field, Rohit bhaiya made everything so simple that I didn’t feel like I was playing international cricket. I’ve never had such a grounded captain in my life.”
Tiwary further endorses Akash’s consistent accuracy, which sets him apart from many genuine fast bowlers in domestic cricket who often lack consistency. “What makes him stand out are the areas he targets. We’ve seen many fast bowlers come through domestic circuits, but their inconsistency in line and length is a downside. Akash’s accuracy is commendable,” Tiwary elaborates.
Moreover, Akash’s ability to learn and adapt has been key to his progress. “You can’t survive at the top level with just one variation,” Tiwary notes. “His hunger, dedication, and consistent hard work are remarkable. Even when playing for Bengal after stints in Irani Trophy or IPL, he gives his all. He understands where he comes from and remains incredibly grounded.”
Akash earned his spot in the Chennai Test due to an injury to Mohammed Shami and India’s decision to go with three seamers. While his memories of Green Park may be overwhelming, the pitch is unlikely to offer much for a fast bowler. Yet, according to Tiwary, Akash will be ready to take on any challenge, putting his hand up if given the opportunity.