Explained: India’s Strategy Behind Playing Akash Deep in England Tests
India’s Test tour of England has been full of surprises, but none bigger than the debut of young pacer Akash Deep.
With senior bowlers being rotated and tough English conditions in play, India made a bold call.
But what’s the real strategy behind playing Akash Deep—and what does it mean for the team’s future?
Who is Akash Deep?
Akash Deep is a talented young cricketer, born on December 15, 1996, and he’s currently 28 years old. He plays for Bengal in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Even though he’s originally from Sasaram, a small town in Bihar, he moved to Bengal to chase his dream of becoming a professional cricketer.
He’s from a small town where becoming a cricketer isn’t just rare—it feels almost impossible. No stadiums, no coaching setups, nothing really. Just a boy with a huge dream and a lot of struggle that most people wouldn’t even see. But he kept going.
- Injuries & Rest for Main Bowlers
Let’s be real—part of why Akash got his shot is because India’s top fast bowlers needed a break. Shami’s injured, and Bumrah and Siraj have been playing back-to-back matches. The team can’t afford to burn them out before important matches. Akash had been doing well, and this was the right time to bring him in.
- Akash Deep’s Domestic Form
It’s not just about filling in—Akash earned this spot. He’s been consistently performing in domestic cricket. In the 2022–23 Ranji Trophy, he wasn’t just part of the squad—he led the bowling attack. Even when the team was struggling, he kept picking up early wickets. That kind of talent doesn’t stay hidden for long.
- Suitable for English Conditions
And the timing couldn’t be better. His bowling style actually suits English conditions. He’s a right-arm fast bowler who can move the ball both ways—seam and swing—which is exactly what you need in England. It’s not just about speed there; it’s about skill, and Akash has that.
Strategy Behind the Move
India’s decision to include Akash Deep in the Test series, like the England vs India Test match, was a fully planned and well-thought-out strategy.
- The series is long and tough, and instead of making Bumrah and Siraj play non-stop, the team gave them some breathing room. That’s where Akash Deep came in—it helped keep the pace attack fresh without losing quality.
- Also, the guy’s been doing well in domestic cricket and India A matches. Lately, he’s been in form and looked like he’s ready for the big stage, so it made sense to give him a shot.
- And let’s not forget, English pitches help bowlers who can swing the ball. That’s Akash’s strength.
- It’s part of India’s long-term plan to build bench strength. With big tournaments ahead, India wants to groom young pacers who can perform in overseas conditions.
What Akash Deep’s Debut Means for Indian Cricket
- Akash Deep’s Test debut isn’t just a new name on the list. It shows that India is starting to look at selection differently.Not just reputation—performance matters now. And Akash has been consistent in domestic cricket for a long time.
- He didn’t rise quickly or get headlines. But he kept delivering. With Shami out and others resting, his spot doesn’t seem like a quick replacement. It looks more like long-term planning.
- There’s also something changing in India’s fast-bowling approach. For places like England, speed alone isn’t enough. Swing, control, and discipline matter more. That’s what Akash brings. This isn’t just filling in—it’s a smarter move.
And hey, you don’t want to miss any matches, so make sure to check the India Fixtures page for upcoming matches.
Why It Matters for the Future of English Cricket
- The County Championship plays a very important role in selecting future England Test players. So, if the selection system is weak, there’s no doubt the team chosen will also be weaker.
- This new format provides a clear path for young players to reach the national team without confusion or unfairness.
- If these updates work effectively, they could revive the excitement around county cricket and make test matches even stronger.
Want to follow how teams are preparing under the new structure?
Check out our latest fixtures on AllCric.
Why It Matters for Fans
The story of Akash Deep is the kind that hits home. He didn’t have any big backing or luxury growing up—just pure hard work and dreams. Coming from a small town and still making it to the Indian cricket team, it’s honestly so inspiring. You look at him and feel like, “If he can do it, maybe I can too.”
And when someone like him plays in a big series like India vs England, it just adds a different kind of excitement. It’s not the usual faces anymore—there’s suspense, there’s hope, and fans get to find new heroes.
Conclusion
Akash Deep’s debut in the England series wasn’t luck. It was pure hard work. This guy has been grinding for years and finally got his chance—and made it count.
His selection shows that Indian cricket is finally backing real talent over big names. That’s the kind of change we love to see.