Fast bowler Akash Deep has credited head coach Gautam Gambhir for playing an important role in his success during India’s recent tour of England for the
Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The 28-year-old pacer, who featured in three of the five Tests, produced match-winning performances with both bat and ball, helping India retain the trophy with a 2-2 draw.
Akash made his Test debut under Rahul Dravid in February 2024 before becoming a regular member in Gambhir’s tenure. He toured Australia last year and was the third pacer in the England tour. Missing the opener at Leeds, Akash delivered a sensational 10-wicket haul in Birmingham, helping India make a comeback after losing the opening game.
His performance with the bat also played a crucial role. Coming in as a nightwatchman in the series-deciding fifth Test at The Oval, he scored 66, sharing a 131-run stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal to push India to 396.
"You aren't aware of your capabilities. See, I was telling you, you can do it. You have to play with this dedication always. Gautam bhai is a very passionate coach. He always motivates us. He believes in me more than I believe in myself, in both my batting and my bowling," Akash told, as quoted by India Today, quoting Gambhir's words.
He is a very good captain: Akash Deep on Gill
Akash also praised new Test captain Shubman Gill, who was leading India in the longest format for the first time. Despite initial concerns over Gill’s appointment ahead of senior names like Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul, the young skipper hammered a record-breaking 754 runs in the series, including four centuries.
"He is a very good captain. It's not like he's a new captain. He's already been an IPL captain for a couple of years, which is a big platform, and that experience counts. With Shubman as captain, I didn't feel like I was playing for the first time. He's very supportive. When a captain backs you and understands things well, especially when you're down, it makes a big difference. I played in the Duleep Trophy under his captaincy last year, so it wasn't the first time. He's a cool customer with plenty of ideas, and when someone is calm, it helps in making good on-field decisions," the pacer added.
