“ Wo balla hi alag tha…” Akash Deep Reflects on Learning from Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli’s Special Gift

Indian pacer Akash Deep opened up about his relationship with Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. Akash Deep recently had his first tour of Australia where he worked close with the two. He forged an unforgettable partnership with Jasprit Bumrah and also received a bat as gift from Virat Kohli. 

“Wo balla hi alag hai (That bat was something else),” Akash chuckled, reminiscing about the bat Kohli gave him. It wasn’t just a souvenir; it became a turning point in Brisbane during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

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Partnership with Bumrah: A Turning Point

India faced a daunting task in the third Test at Brisbane. Staring at a follow-on, Akash and Bumrah stitched together a vital 47-run stand for the 10th wicket. Their gritty partnership kept India in the game.

“Kuch bhi ho jaye, out nahi hona hai (No matter what, don’t get out),” Akash recalled Bumrah telling him.

The duo focused on survival rather than flashy strokes. With patience and determination, they avoided the follow-on. “We just showed faith in each other,” Akash said.

Learning from Bumrah: A Masterclass in Bowling

Bowling alongside Bumrah is both a privilege and a challenge, Akash admitted. He described Bumrah as “God’s creation,” a bowler with unparalleled skills.

“You can’t become like Bumrah. Wo bhagwan ka diya hua alag insaan hai (He’s God’s gift),” Akash said.

Akash emphasized the importance of observing Bumrah’s tactics. “It’s about learning how he creates pressure on opponents,” he added.

Dropped Catches and Missed Opportunities

Akash’s efforts with the ball in the Boxing Day Test were hampered by dropped catches. At a crucial moment, Yashasvi Jaiswal missed a straightforward chance off Marnus Labuschagne.

“That catch could have changed the game,” Akash said, admitting his frustration. “Jassu is a great fielder, but such moments happen in cricket.”

Debut Under Rohit Sharma: A Dream Come True

Akash made his India debut under Rohit Sharma, whom he considers the best captain in the world.

“Rohit bhai keeps the dressing room calm. He’s always there to guide me,” Akash said. “Right from my debut, he gave me the freedom to express myself.”

Focus on Bowling and Batting

Akash takes pride in contributing to the team’s success, even if personal milestones elude him. “If Bumrah is taking wickets, my job is to hold the other end,” he said.

Interestingly, Akash’s batting has also seen improvement since joining Team India. “In domestic cricket, I rarely batted in the nets. But here, I get time to work on my batting,” he shared.

Looking Ahead

Injury setbacks, including a back spasm during the Sydney Test, haven’t deterred Akash’s spirit. He is set to train at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy later this month.

“My back is fine now. I’ll follow the recovery plan at the NCA,” he concluded.

Akash Deep’s journey may still be unfolding, but his determination and experiences with cricketing greats like Bumrah and Kohli promise a bright future.

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