Indian fast bowler Akash Deep has spoken about the team’s pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Akash stated that he tries to follow many bowlers but following in the footsteps of Jasprit Bumrah is not an easy task.

Akash Deep has played just one Test in his career so far, the one he played against England earlier this year in Ranchi.

He was impressive in that series and took the first three wickets with the new ball in the first innings.

However, with Jasprit Bumrah returning for the final Test, he was dropped despite a decent performance in his debut Test.

Akash Deep has been named in India’s squad for the first Test match against Bangladesh. While Bumrah and Siraj are the frontline players, Akash might get a chance to feature in the series.

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Akash Deep reveals why it is difficult to follow Jasprit Bumrah

Akash Deep recently spoke about his favourite bowlers. When asked about the bowlers he follows the most, he said that he doesn’t follow any particular bowler but likes to learn different things from each one.

“I don’t follow any single player too much. Every player in the world has his own way of playing and technique and each one is excellent in his own way,” Akash Deep said.

The 27-year-old fast bowler praised Jasprit Bumrah for his talent and claimed that he is unique which makes him so difficult to follow. The right-arm fast bowler also revealed that he follows Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj.

“I follow (Kagiso) Rabada a little bit, and (Jasprit) Bumrah is a legend. It is difficult to follow him. ‘Bumrah bhai ko bhagwan ne alag hi bana k bheja hai’ (He is uniquely created by God), and I cannot learn everything from him. I also watch Siraj and learn from him. I learn small things from various players, but I don’t follow one player too much,” Akash Deep was quoted as saying by IANS.

Akash Deep in the absence of Mohammed Shami

The youngster also spoke about the responsibility that comes with the absence of Mohammed Shami, who has been out of the Indian team since undergoing ankle surgery earlier this year.

“It is a big responsibility that has been given to me which allows me to serve my team. Shami bhai is injured at the moment… I see it as a responsibility and I am trying my best to live up to the trust that the selectors and the BCCI management have reposed in me,” he added.

Akash Deep thanks Rohit Sharma

Akash Deep also thanked Indian captain Rohit Sharma for making things easy for him in his first Test match. He added that Rohit handled things so well that it felt like a normal match and he could bowl without any pressure.

“I played my first match with Rohit Bhaiya in Ranchi. I thought how difficult it would be to play my first match for the country. There is something special about him – when I played that first match, I didn’t even feel like I was playing for India,” Akash Deep said.

“He manages things very well, speaks in a way that makes you feel comfortable and gives simple plans that make cricket easier. Playing under him is a matter of luck for any cricketer,” he added.

Akash Deep recently played the opening round of the Duleep Trophy 2024, where he recorded figures of 4-60 and 5-56 in both innings.

He has shown good form ahead of the series against Bangladesh and could get a cap in one of the two Tests against Bangladesh.

Akash is a seasoned bowler in the domestic circuit and has experience of bowling for long periods. In first-class cricket, he has picked up 116 wickets in 32 matches so far at an average of 22.86.