India’s rookie fast bowler Akash Deep has hailed Jasprit Bumrah, stating he is a god’s gift to Indian cricket. Bumrah has a unique action and has savoured great success all across the globe for the Indian team.
The gun fast bowler has performed consistently in all three formats of the game and he has been India’s pack leader. The ace pacer bagged 15 wickets at an average of 8.26 and an economy rate of 4.17 in the eight matches of the T20I showpiece and thus played a key role in the team’s success.
Bumrah’s biggest strength is his adaptability to any pitch and he reads every track like an expert. The fast bowler is equally lethal at both end of the innings and he has consistently delivered for the team.
Meanwhile, Akash Deep returned with nine wickets in the Duleep trophy clash for India A while playing against India B. Deep also picked up a five-wicket haul in the second essay. Deep said he tries to learn from every bowler with whom he plays.
“Every bowler in the world has their own unique action and technique, and each one is great in their own way. I follow Rabada a bit, and Bumrah is a legend. It’s hard to follow him. ‘Bumrah bhai ko bhagwan ne alag hi bana k bheja hai (He has been uniquely crafted by God), and I can’t learn everything from him. I also observe Siraj and learn from him. I pick up small things from various bowlers, but I don’t follow just one bowler too much,” Akash Deep was quoted as saying by IANS.
After his impressive showing in the Duleep trophy, Deep has been picked in India’s squad for the first Test against Bangladesh.
“This is a huge responsibility that I have been given, allowing me to serve my team. Shami Bhai is currently injured… I see this as a responsibility and am trying my best to live up to the faith that the selectors and BCCI management have placed in me,” Akash Deep said.
Meanwhile, Akash Deep made his Test debut against England at Ranchi earlier in the year and picked up three top-order wickets in the first innings under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. Deep revealed Rohit made him comfortable in his maiden match for the country.
“I played my first match under Rohit Bhaiya in Ranchi. I was thinking about how difficult it would be to play my debut match for the country. There’s something special about him—when I played that first game, it didn’t even feel like I was playing for India. He manages things so well, talks in a way that puts you at ease, and gives simple plans that make cricket easier. Playing under him is a matter of luck for any cricketer,” he added.
India will take on Bangladesh in the opening Test at Chennai on September 19.
