The legendary Indian fast bowler has backed Akash Deep to be part of India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Zaheer Khan felt that Akash has all the ingredients to be a good fast bowler and can be useful in Australia.

Akash made his Test debut against England earlier this year in Ranchi. The youngster had a good match as he took three first-order wickets with the new ball in England’s first innings, helping India advance early.

However, bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was dropped for the next match. Akash is currently playing India’s ongoing Test series against Bangladesh and has been a part of both Tests.

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Zaheer Khan backs Akash Deep to be part of Team India for BGT 2024-25

During a chat with Cricbuzz, Zaheer Khan spoke about India’s third fast bowler in Tests after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Zaheer was absolutely convinced that Akash should be the third seamer in the Indian team for the tour of Australia.

“There is no doubt about that. If you look at the Indian team’s XI and talk about three seamers, Akash Deep is the third. So obviously when we talk about Australia, that tour, we could see Akash Deep as part of the team. “said Zaheer.

The former India pacer elaborated on Akash’s skills and stated that he has the aggression required for a fast bowler. Zaheer also compared Akash Deep’s skills with that of Mohammed Siraj.

“It’s like the way (Mohammed) Siraj approaches it. He attacks the fourth stump a lot, outside the off stump. The more deliveries you make with good length consistently, and it’s important at the Test level,” Zaheer explained.

“Akash Deep has all that and he showed that he has that aggressiveness needed for a pacer. He has good potential and if he gets opportunities, his self-confidence will increase and he will contribute to the team,” he added.

Akash Deep continues to impress

After taking three wickets on his Test debut, Akash took two wickets in his second Test against Bangladesh, played in Chennai. Bowling from around the wicket, the 27-year-old quick smashed the stumps of Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque in successive deliveries.

He didn’t get much chance to bowl in the second innings as the Indian spinners took 9 wickets between them. India comprehensively defeated Bangladesh by 280 runs.

After the Chennai Test, Akash said that he was not at his best on his Test debut against England but was able to find his rhythm from the first ball in Chennai. His plan was to bowl a tight line on off stump and not allow the opposing batsmen to get away.

India fast bowlers for Australia tour

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are likely to be India’s frontline fast bowlers for the tour of Australia. While the selectors expect Mohammed Shami to be fit before the Australia series, his return to international cricket is yet to be confirmed.

Shami is expected to play one or two matches in the Ranji Trophy before returning to the Test. India are likely to select 4-5 fast bowlers for the tour of Australia and Akash Deep remains firmly in the plans.