Akash Deep, India’s newest pace sensation, has found himself grappling with mixed emotions ahead of the upcoming Lord’s Test. Despite delivering an impressive performance on debut at Edgbaston, the Bengal speedster remains unsure whether he will find a place in India’s playing XI for the second Test against England at the iconic venue.
Akash Deep’s honest admission after Edgbaston
In an interview with reporters after India’s narrow loss in the first Test, Akash Deep said candidly, “Khelunga ya nahi, nahi pata… team combination ke upar hai. Bas man mein hai ki jo bhi opportunity mile, best dena hai (Whether I will play or not, I don’t know… it depends on team combination. In my mind, I just want to give my best whenever I get a chance).”
His statement reflects both the humility and the uncertainty that comes with being a newcomer in a star-studded Indian pace battery.
Stellar debut at Edgbaston
Akash Deep grabbed headlines in his very first outing, bowling with sustained pace and accuracy. He dismissed England’s top order, including Zak Crawley and Joe Root, showcasing his ability to swing the new ball at brisk speeds of 138-142 kmph.
Akash Deep’s performance at Edgbaston
| Innings | Overs Bowled | Runs Conceded | Wickets Taken | Economy Rate | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 18 | 54 | 3 | 3.00 | 3/54 |
| 2nd | 12 | 41 | 1 | 3.41 | 1/41 |
| Total | 30 | 95 | 4 | 3.16 | – |
His rhythm, discipline, and confident body language impressed former players and selectors, with Sunil Gavaskar stating on air, “Akash Deep looks ready for this level. India has unearthed yet another quality pacer.”
The competition within India’s pace attack
Despite his strong debut, Akash Deep’s place in the Lord’s Test XI is not guaranteed. With Jasprit Bumrah leading the attack and Mohammed Siraj a certain starter, India will have to choose between Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, and Shardul Thakur for the third pacer slot, depending on conditions and team strategy.
India’s pace options for Lord’s Test
| Bowler | Matches in Series | Wickets Taken | Average | Role Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | 1 | 7 | 18.7 | Leader of attack |
| Mohammed Siraj | 1 | 2 | 33.5 | Seam support |
| Akash Deep | 1 | 4 | 23.75 | New ball swing |
| Mukesh Kumar | – | – | – | Backup seamer |
| Shardul Thakur | – | – | – | Bowling all-rounder |
The management is also considering Shardul Thakur for batting depth, especially after a middle-order collapse contributed to India’s defeat at Edgbaston.
Experts call for continuity
Former India pacer Ashish Nehra urged the team to persist with Akash Deep. “If someone bowls well on debut in challenging English conditions, give him the confidence of back-to-back games. It is good for his development and for team morale,” Nehra said on a cricket talk show.
Similarly, VVS Laxman emphasised that rewarding performances with continuity is critical in building a bench of confident fast bowlers who are ready to deliver under pressure.
Akash Deep’s inspiring journey from Sasaram to Lord’s
Born in Sasaram, Bihar, Akash Deep moved to Bengal to pursue cricket seriously, eventually rising through age-group cricket and domestic Ranji performances for Bengal. His ability to swing the ball both ways and his aggressive seam bowling brought him into India A and IPL calculations, culminating in his Test debut at Edgbaston.
Pivot: Akash Deep’s domestic journey
| Year | Team | Tournament | Wickets Taken | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Bengal | Ranji Trophy | 35 | 22.52 |
| 2022 | RCB (IPL) | IPL | 6 | 47.83 |
| 2023 | Bengal | Ranji Trophy | 40 | 19.25 |
| 2024 | India A | SA Tour | 12 | 24.66 |
| 2025 | India | Test debut | 4 (1 match) | 23.75 |
His rise symbolises the new pipeline of Indian fast bowlers emerging from smaller towns with raw hunger and disciplined preparation.
Fan reactions: social media buzz
Akash Deep’s humility and performance made him an overnight social media favourite. Fans appreciated his grounded response about team selection and flooded Twitter with supportive messages.
Trending hashtags and engagement metrics
| Hashtag | Tweets (approx.) | Sentiment Overview |
|---|---|---|
| #AkashDeep | 22,000 | Proud and supportive |
| #INDvENG | 40,000 | Series discussions |
| #Lord’sTest | 15,000 | Team combination debates |
| #IndianCricket | 18,000 | Positive comments on bench strength |
Many fans tagged Indian team management, urging them to play Akash Deep at Lord’s to utilise his upright seam and consistent lengths on English pitches.
Challenges for India ahead of Lord’s Test
India lost the Edgbaston Test by 28 runs after a promising start, making the second Test at Lord’s crucial to keep the series alive. With Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid expected to adopt a horses-for-courses strategy, selection decisions will focus on countering England’s Bazball aggression while ensuring batting depth.
Key focus areas for India
- Top-order stability: Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal need a strong opening partnership.
- Pace combination: Balancing attack potency with batting depth.
- Spin utilisation: Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin’s dual role crucial.
- Lower order runs: Shardul Thakur could be preferred if conditions demand batting insurance.
Final thoughts: Akash Deep’s grounded attitude wins hearts
Regardless of whether he plays at Lord’s, Akash Deep’s debut has added another promising chapter to India’s fast bowling revolution. His calm response – “Khelunga ya nahi, nahi pata, par mauka milega toh best dunga” – reflects a mindset ready to embrace challenges without entitlement.
As India aim to level the series and keep WTC final hopes alive, Akash Deep’s presence in the squad, even if not in the XI, augurs well for the team’s future fast bowling depth and cultural humility. Fans and experts alike will be hoping that whenever his next opportunity comes, this unassuming pacer continues to deliver with the same simplicity and fire.
