Akash Deep earned accolades in his maiden first-class season in the 2019-20 calendar year with his fast bowling that was instrumental in earning Bengal a runners-up finish in the Ranji Trophy.

As it happens to almost every fast bowler, Akash, too, has been affected by injuries. But consistency and persistence went on to pave the way for a Team India call-up earlier this year. Akash in return ensured he produced impressive spells to win the team management’s faith.

All set now for his third Test appearance in Kanpur, Akash highlighted how significant the domestic cricket grind has been for him. The grind for Bengal has toughened him up, making his transition to international cricket smoother.

“The structure the BCCI has for domestic cricket is so strong that by the time you get to
this level, you have already played a lot of good-quality cricket,” Akash said at a news conference in Kanpur on Wednesday.

“You know what your bowling is like and what you need to do. So, I don’t find anything new here. We just need to carry forward the processes we followed to reach here.”

Overthinking about grabbing a place in the squad for the forthcoming Australia Tests is something Akash wants to avoid. All that matters for him is “keeping things simple”.

“I have worked on my strengths. Now, what can I add to my bowling? I have spent
time thinking about those things.

“It’s about the simple things. I don’t put pressure on myself, that I have to play in Australia or in any other big series. I stay in the present and think about today and the coming game, which helps me keep things simple.”

‘Supportive captain’

Life wasn’t at all hard for Akash when he joined the Indian squad on his debut series against England. Thanks to the support he had from captain Rohit Sharma.

“I had hesitation initially that there would be pressure, but Rohitbhaiyya made things so simple. I haven’t played under such a supportive captain. He keeps things simple, and I never felt as if I was playing domestic or international cricket,” the 27-year-old said.

The commitment level of both Rohit and Virat Kohli is also a motivation for Akash.

“The thought process of Rohitbhaiyya and Viratbhai is of a different level, which
motivates me to work even harder. Despite achieving so much, they still work very, very hard during training,” Akash added.