Akash Deep, the rising star from Bengal’s domestic cricket circuit, has caught the attention of Indian cricket fans and selectors alike with his stellar performances in Test matches. After making his Test debut against England earlier this year, Akash Deep has continued to shine, showcasing both his bowling prowess and his ability to contribute with the bat when needed. His quick success has placed the future of several seasoned bowlers in jeopardy, as competition within the Indian Test team heats up.
In this article, we take a closer look at three Indian bowlers whose Test careers might be under threat due to Akash Deep’s emergence.
1. Prasidh Krishna
Prasidh Krishna, a tall and promising right-arm fast bowler, was seen as a great addition to India’s Test squad. He made his debut during the tour of South Africa but failed to make a significant impact. To make matters worse, Prasidh has been plagued by injuries, and his fitness has been a lingering concern for team management. With Akash Deep stepping in and consistently delivering in key moments, Prasidh’s return to the Test arena is now in question. The longer his fitness issues persist, the harder it will be for him to regain his spot, especially with Akash Deep performing consistently well.
2. Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur, the all-rounder from Mumbai, has been a versatile option for India, having played in all three formats of the game. Known for his knack for picking up crucial wickets and his ability to contribute runs down the order, Shardul has been a valuable asset for the team. However, his recent performances in Test matches have been underwhelming. With Akash Deep emerging as a more aggressive and attacking option, Shardul’s place in the Test squad could be in danger. Akash Deep’s pace and precision might push him ahead in the pecking order, especially on pitches that favor fast bowlers.
3. Mukesh Kumar
Mukesh Kumar, another fast bowler who made his debut for India in all formats last year, finds himself on the fringes of the Test team. Despite showing promise, he has struggled to secure a regular place in the squad. His exclusion from the Test series against Bangladesh raised eyebrows, especially when Akash Deep was given an opportunity. Akash Deep’s impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy, where he took several key wickets, further cemented his place in the team. Mukesh Kumar now faces stiff competition from his fellow Bengal pacer, and it may be difficult for him to make a comeback anytime soon.
Akash Deep’s Impact
Akash Deep’s rise has come at a crucial time for Indian cricket. With key fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami battling injuries, Akash Deep has stepped up to fill the void, delivering crucial breakthroughs and maintaining pressure on the opposition. His ability to swing the ball and bowl at pace makes him a valuable asset, particularly on seamer-friendly pitches.
Furthermore, Akash Deep’s ability to bat lower down the order adds depth to India’s lineup, giving him an edge over some of his competitors. His consistent performances have made him a strong contender for a permanent spot in the Test team, and he is likely to be a part of future Test series as long as he maintains his form.
Conclusion
The rise of Akash Deep has added a new dimension to India’s fast-bowling attack, but it also raises questions about the future of established bowlers like Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, and Mukesh Kumar. While it remains to be seen how the team management handles the growing competition, one thing is certain—Akash Deep’s emergence has raised the bar, and only the fittest and most consistent performers will survive in India’s Test squad.
As the Indian Test team prepares for upcoming challenges, fans will be eager to see how Akash Deep continues to shape his career and whether he can cement his place among the greats.
Leave a comment