Five wickets in two Tests with an average of 54 doesn’t exactly scream success, but it doesn’t tell the whole story either. Akash Deep is a prime example of how misleading stats can be. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia, the Bengal fast bowler was arguably the unluckiest of the lot. Aside from one impressive spell at the MCG during Australia’s second innings, he was on point. He bowled exceptionally well, found the right lines, and consistently troubled the batters, yet the wickets just didn’t come his way. Every time he got an edge after countless near misses, it either slipped through the empty slip cordon or didn’t carry. And when he hit the batters on the pads, the 'umpire's call' never went in his favor.

After being sidelined from the final Test in Sydney due to a back injury, there was definitely some chatter about whether Akash Deep would even be in the conversation when selectors gather to choose India’s Test squad for the England tour in about six months.

At 28, Akash isn’t getting any younger. He should be hitting his stride as a fast bowler, but a BCCI official mentioned that if he can’t seize his chances and secure a spot in the team at this stage of his career, it might be tough for him to envision a long international career ahead.

“In Melbourne, he sometimes bowled either too short or too full. Plus, at his age, being in and out of the XI could really make a difference,” a BCCI official told The Telegraph on Monday. “And let’s not forget, he’s been dealing with a troublesome back since before his Bengal debut in 2019. That’s something he really needs to manage.”

Akash Deep is going to become more powerful

Sourasish Lahiri, the former Bengal off-spinner, pointed out that while Akash Deep may have had some near misses with the bat, his bowling length wasn't quite right for taking wickets on Australian pitches.

“At first, he was bowling a bit too short. But he quickly adjusted to the ideal length of six to eight meters, which forces batters to decide whether to play off the front or back foot,” said Lahiri, who has been coaching Akash since his days in the Bengal U-23 team.

“With his quick arm action, he delivered the stock ball effectively, causing some trouble for Steve Smith at the MCG. Sure, there were a lot of plays and misses, but that’s great for building perseverance and mental toughness. He’ll realize that in Test cricket, nothing comes easy.”

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