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Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has showered praise on young pacer Akash Deep, hailing him as a potential rising star in Indian cricket. Zaheer specifically pointed out that Akash has the perfect role model in veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami. The 27-year-old fast bowler from Bengal has been making waves in the ongoing second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, where he has already picked up two wickets, continuing his fine form after being included in the Indian squad earlier this year.
Zaheer’s comments come at a time when Mohammed Shami, one of India’s premier fast bowlers, is on the road to recovery from an injury. Shami has been ruled out of the series against Bangladesh but is expected to make a return either during the upcoming series against New Zealand or the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Parallels Between Shami and Akash Deep
In an interview with Cricbuzz, Zaheer Khan emphasized the similarities between Shami and Akash Deep’s bowling styles, particularly their shared approach to attacking the stumps and consistently bowling with good seam positions. Zaheer highlighted that Akash, much like Shami, thrives on maintaining a tight stump-to-stump line, which has been a key to Shami’s success in international cricket.
“He [Akash Deep] also looks to keep things straight and attack the stumps. Mohammed Shami also has a similar approach. Shami can be a good role model for Akash Deep. [Look at the] way Shami has achieved success in international cricket. Like Shami, Akash Deep also likes to make good use of the seam,” said Zaheer Khan.
Consistency and Learning from Senior Bowlers
Zaheer further elaborated on Akash Deep’s potential, calling attention to his consistency in maintaining length and line, which is critical for fast bowlers in Test cricket. Zaheer believes that Akash has the foundation to become a regular fixture in the Indian bowling lineup but stressed that interacting with experienced bowlers like Shami and others could fast-track his development.
“When you attack the stumps and bowl good lengths, that will definitely help your cause. This is the way Shami has achieved his success. If Akash Deep is looking for a role model, there can be no one better than him. His seam position is always talked about. Akash Deep has consistency, but if he chats with other bowlers, he can add variety in his bowling a lot sooner,” added Zaheer.
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Akash Deep’s Journey to the Indian Test Team
Akash Deep’s rise to international cricket has been remarkable. After solid performances in domestic cricket and in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Akash was called up to the Indian Test squad as a backup pacer in the absence of Shami. His selection raised eyebrows initially, but his performances in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh have shown that the 27-year-old has the temperament and skill to perform at the highest level.
In the ongoing second Test in Kanpur, Akash Deep has been instrumental in restricting Bangladesh’s batting lineup, taking key wickets of opener Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam. His ability to keep things tight and stick to a disciplined line has drawn comparisons to Shami, especially in how both bowlers rely on their seam positioning to trouble batters.
In Contention for Australia Tour
Akash Deep’s performances have made him a strong candidate for India’s squad in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to take place in Australia. With Shami still recovering and other senior bowlers being monitored for workload management, Akash could get more opportunities to impress the Indian selectors.
The series against Australia will be a stern test for India’s bowlers, especially the pacers, given the challenging conditions Down Under. However, Zaheer Khan is confident that Akash, with the right guidance and mentorship, could be a valuable addition to the Indian pace battery for the Australian tour.
Shami’s Expected Return and Recovery
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami is continuing his recovery and has been targeting a return during the series against New Zealand or the Australia tour. Shami’s experience and proven record in Australian conditions make his presence crucial for India’s bowling plans. However, his absence has provided opportunities for younger bowlers like Akash Deep, who are keen to prove themselves on the international stage.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be one of the biggest challenges for India’s bowlers in the upcoming months, and Shami’s availability will likely play a pivotal role in shaping India’s chances of retaining the trophy. However, the emergence of players like Akash Deep could offer India more depth and flexibility in their bowling options.
For now, all eyes will be on his performances in the remainder of the Bangladesh series and his possible selection for the Australia tour, where he could further solidify his place in the Indian team.
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