Fast bowler Akash Deep has spoken about the backing he received from coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill during India’s tour of England. Akash was effusive in his praise for Gambhir, saying the head coach had more belief in him than he had in himself. The fast bowler featured in three of the five Tests, producing decisive contributions in India’s victories in Birmingham and London.
Akash recalled a conversation with Gambhir after scoring a match-winning 66 in the second innings of the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Coming in as nightwatchman, he put together a 131-run partnership with centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal, laying the foundation for India’s total of 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,” Akash told PTI, quoting Gambhir’s words.
“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,” he added.
The 28-year-old fast bowler made his debut during Rahul Dravid’s tenure in February 2024, going on to play nine more Tests under Gambhir. He was part of the Australia tour, featuring in two Tests in Brisbane and Melbourne.
In England, Akash missed the series opener in Leeds, but claimed a 10-wicket match haul in the second Test at Birmingham, bowling India to a famous win.
While wickets were harder to come by at Lord’s and The Oval, Akash made important contributions with the bat, again as a nightwatchman, in the crucial deciding Test.
‘SHUBMAN GILL NOT LIKE A NEW CAPTAIN’
Praising Shubman Gill, Akash said the young captain excelled in his first assignment, and that it never felt like he was playing under someone new to leading India in the longest format.
“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,” Akash said.
“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.”
Gill was appointed Test captain ahead of the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant – a move that raised eyebrows as the young batter had yet to cement his place in the Test XI and had struggled at No. 3 during the 2024-25 season.
However, Gill silenced his critics with a commanding series in England. Leading from the front, he amassed a record-breaking 754 runs, including four centuries. His captaincy grew stronger as the series progressed, and he remained composed in the tense finale in London, as India levelled the series 2-2 to retain the trophy.
Having played 10 Tests for India and made an impact in domestic white-ball cricket, Akash expressed his desire to represent India in ODIs and T20Is.
“We can’t just go and talk to selectors. They’re experienced people and, when they feel they need me for any format, they will call. My job is to perform and be ready for the call-up,” he said.
Although Akash is yet to make a mark in the Indian Premier League, he averages 24 in List A cricket and 26 in T20s.
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