Akash Deep’s outstanding performance in the Duleep Trophy, where he claimed 9 wickets for 116 runs, has brought him into serious contention for a key role in India’s fast-bowling unit. His success was shaped by guidance from Mohammed Shami, with a focus on seam movement and strategic dismissal setups. His ability to bowl long, impactful spells, as well as his conditioning work at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), have positioned him as a strong candidate for India's third seamer role in upcoming Tests. Deep’s commitment to focusing on the present and honing his craft has set him apart as a bowler of promise.

Akash Deep’s Breakthrough Performance in the Duleep Trophy

Seam Masterclass Across Two Innings
Akash Deep’s 9 for 116 across two innings in the Duleep Trophy match between India A and India B was nothing short of a seam-bowling clinic. Two deliveries particularly stood out: the dismissal of Nitish Kumar Reddy, where late seam movement squared him up to knock over the top of off-stump, and the beautifully orchestrated wicket of Washington Sundar, where Deep outfoxed him with a ball that came back off the seam to rattle his stumps. These deliveries epitomized his growing ability to keep batsmen guessing, a trait he’s learned from one of India’s leading pacers, Mohammed Shami.

Shami’s Influence: Strategic Dismissals

Lessons from a Master of Swing
Akash Deep’s learning curve has been steep, and much of his recent success can be attributed to Mohammed Shami’s guidance. Shami taught him the importance of creating doubt in a batsman’s mind by generating lateral movement both ways from the same spot. Deep recalled Shami’s set-up of Ben Stokes in last year’s World Cup as an exemplary case. The key advice was not to force the ball to move back in, but to allow it to happen naturally over time, turning it into a devastating wicket-taking option. This subtle yet profound approach has clearly influenced Deep’s rise in the domestic circuit.

The Importance of Fitness and Endurance

Conditioning for Long Spells
One of Akash Deep’s standout qualities during the Duleep Trophy was his stamina. Bowling 41 overs across two innings, he showed impressive endurance—especially on a pitch that didn’t always offer much assistance. This resilience was the result of intense conditioning work at the NCA, where he spent a month focusing on muscle memory and match simulations. As a fast bowler who hadn’t played much cricket since his Test debut in March, this preparation was crucial in ensuring he could handle the rigors of a first-class match and deliver long, effective spells.

Focus on the Present: Akash Deep’s Mindset

A Bowler Grounded in Process
While Akash Deep’s performance has sparked discussions about his potential to become India’s third seamer, especially with upcoming Tests at home and a challenging tour to Australia, the bowler himself remains grounded. "I think of every match as my last," he remarked, emphasizing his focus on process over results. By concentrating on what he can control—such as recovery and preparation—Deep avoids the distraction of selection speculation. This attitude has allowed him to stay in the moment and continually refine his game, an approach that has served him well thus far.

The Path Ahead: India’s Seamer Options

Contender for India's Test Squad
With Mohammed Shami’s availability uncertain, Akash Deep’s outstanding Duleep Trophy performance has propelled him into the conversation for India’s Test side. His ability to move the ball both ways, combined with his fitness to bowl long spells, makes him a viable candidate for the third seamer's slot. Whether or not he adds to his maiden Test appearance against England will depend on how the Indian selectors view his progress, but his recent efforts make it hard to overlook his growing credentials.