Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has praised fast bowler Akash Deep for his bowling performance in the ongoing Test against Bangladesh. He said that the speedster has defended the Australia series and is much better than Mukesh Kumar.

Akash Deep was the main player for the Indian team on Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh. Despite not taking the new ball, he made sure to draw first blood for his team and put them in the driver’s seat in a small amount of play on opening day due to rain.

Akash Deep looked unplayable in the game as he bowled impeccable lines and lengths. He removed both openers from the Bangladesh team and brought his team back into the game after the openers made a cautious start with the bat.

Akash Deep was menacing even after the first spell he cast. He picked two wickets and gave away 34 runs and also bowled 4 maidens. The way he bowls, he would be vital for the team on the upcoming Day 2.

Sanjay Manjrekar hailed Akash Deep as better than Mukesh Kumar and said he will be among the four fast bowlers that India will take to Australia. He pointed out the pacer’s repeatable bowling action and said it continues in the same vein. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, he explained:

“Yes, and you know, when he made his debut in Ranchi, well, you could see that he looked a lot better than Mukesh Kumar, who was playing third seamer at that time.

“So he is someone India will have in their top four or five when they go to Australia. And he continued in the same vein. He has a very repeatable bowling action. You can see he has bowled a million balls in his life.”

India is well packed and Akash Deep is doing very well – Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar further pointed out how Akash bothers left-handed batsmen who are clueless, saying that he gives them nothing. He believes India have found a very good third or fourth seamer and their confidence would be very high. He added:

“And very good with lefties, which is always helpful because there are so many lefties around the world. And he keeps it simple. He’s straight in the air, you know, which I used to do as a hitter.” , that is very difficult for you. The guys who are in the air don’t give you anything.

“So if you’re a player, well, you know, you saw the two lefties struggle with the same thing where, you know, the ball was directly at them and just a little bit of movement. So that’s something that goes to your favor. So, yes, India have found a very, very useful third or fourth seam when Shami returns. So India is well prepared and Akash Deep is doing very well, which will increase confidence in the world of good,” he concluded.