The pace is back, and Akash Deep feels almost as good as he used to during his first four-five years at the senior level.
This certainly bodes well for the Bengal pacer as he’s set for his first tour of New Zealand for the multi-day matches representing India ‘A’ and even stands a decent chance of selection for the two Tests against the Black Caps beginning next month.
Akash consistently crossed 140kmph in the recent Irani Cup for Rest of India against Jammu and Kashmir, taking six wickets in the match. In what was his first competitive appearance in eight months after recovering from a lower-back stress fracture, such a performance from Akash was swift enough to keep him in the fray for the New Zealand Tests.
“I feel a lot better now. My rhythm is back.
“You don’t usually push much in your comeback game, as the focus is more on gradually gaining back your rhythm. Still, I bowled with good pace, like I used to in my first four-five years at this level. It’s a good sign for me and my mental space as well,” Akash said at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground in Kalyani on Saturday, the eve of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi.
Along with Bengal teammate Mukesh Kumar, Akash will be leaving for New Zealand after the Delhi game. At present, he isn’t too keen on thinking about how to bowl in New Zealand. “It’s about keeping things as simple as possible. Playing for a length at this level helps you to analyse your own skills and abilities. That’s what I try to do.
“As for the conditions, one should have a bit of an idea about them, and where to bowl against which batsmen. These tend to be there at the back of the mind. But at present, this Ranji match is more important, while there’s still time for New Zealand. Let this game be over first.”
For the third specialist pacer’s slot in Team India Akash’s competition appears to be largely with Prasidh Krishna. However, in terms of his current mindset, his competition is with himself. “It’s with your own self as to how you improve and take yourself to the highest level. That will then present you with opportunities. So, my focus is just on improving myself and not thinking about competition with others,” Akash stated.
Looking back at those eight months spent on recovery, Akash recounted how it helped him read his body and stay motivated for a stronger comeback.