Only a few months into his new post-retirement life, some cricket games have become hazy memories for Manoj Tiwary. However, one incident remains etched in the former Bengal captain’s mind: the revenge Ranji Trophy semifinal against Madhya Pradesh in February last year. “Akash Deep ne khol diya tha Rajat Patidar ko,” Tiwary recalls vividly. A crucial five-wicket haul by pace bowler Akash Deep played a pivotal role in Bengal defeating the reigning champions and securing a spot in the finals.
“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 ‘main daalta hoon (I’ll do it).’ Akash Deep is that kind of a player; he thrives on challenges,” Tiwary elaborates. This resilience, combined with his precision and speed, has transformed Akash Deep from a small-town cricketer into an international bowler, taking his career from the lanes of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to the grand stages of international cricket.
Growing up in Varanasi, Akash Deep’s first exposure to an international cricket stadium was Green Park, which he had assumed boasted a lush green outfield. He discovered otherwise when he stepped onto the stadium as an India cricketer for the first Test match, finding the predominant shades to be teal rather than green.
India may opt to include an additional spinner for the second Test in Kanpur by dropping a pacer, putting Akash Deep’s place in the squad in jeopardy. However, such challenges don’t concern Akash Deep much. His outlook on 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 does not favor fast bowlers, I have to take wickets. So I have to make plans accordingly.”
During a brief 10-minute chat two days ahead of the game, he repeatedly emphasized the significance of ‘keeping it simple,’ a modern-day cricket mantra. According to Tiwary, this simplicity is one of Akash’s central strengths. He refers to Akash as a ‘blindfolded ghoda (horse),’ always ready to follow the captain’s orders without question.
“In away games outside Kolkata, you need a bowler who bowls genuinely quick and keeps the right length. Most pitches in India either favor batsmen or spinners, so fast bowlers need to work extra hard. Akash is that blindfolded horse; he obeys the captain’s instructions to the letter,” Tiwary states.
Akash Deep’s adherence to ‘keeping it simple’ paid off during favorable conditions in Chennai, where he effectively targeted the left-handed top order from around the wicket.
. “In the first innings, there was some assistance,” Akash explained. “I’m more comfortable bowling round the wicket; it’s one of my strengths. After one over from over the wicket, I felt that I could create chances by switching. The ball was swinging anyway, so I wanted to keep it simple, and that approach worked. It wasn’t about taking wickets immediately; it was about hitting the right areas.”
Despite being only two Tests old, Akash Deep has already made a notable impression in an Indian bowling lineup that includes stalwarts like Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja. His awareness of his role has also contributed to his ease within the team. “To play for India is every child’s dream; it brings immense pride, but with that pride comes responsibility when replacing legendary bowlers,” Akash says, crediting his captain for easing this transition.
The India captain’s message about simplicity has also resonated with Akash. “Earlier, I was apprehensive about the pressure of playing for India,” Akash shares, praising Rohit Sharma. “But when I entered the ground, Rohit bhaiya kept things so simple that I didn’t feel like I was playing international cricket. He’s the most grounded captain I’ve ever met.”
Besides his pace, Akash Deep’s precise bowling areas set him apart. “Consistency in areas is what makes him stand out,” Tiwary asserts. “We often see genuine fast bowlers being wayward in domestic cricket, but Akash’s accuracy has always been commendable. He continually evolves and has improved in various aspects, displaying remarkable dedication and hard work.”
“Whether he’s playing in the Irani Trophy, IPL, or domestic matches for Bengal, Akash gives 100 percent,” Tiwary continues. “He doesn’t let international success get to his head; instead, he remains grounded and hardworking.”
Akash got his chance in the Chennai Test due to an injury to Mohammed Shami, and he made the most out of this opportunity. Whether or not he continues to feature in the upcoming matches, Akash Deep has already proved his mettle on the field. As Tiwary rightly points out, he’s always eager to take on challenges, making him a player to watch in the future.