If not for a bit of misfortune, Akash Deep would already have had his India debut. Being a late entrant in India’s squad for this year’s Asian Games in Hangzhou, the 27-year-old quick was denied a visa and couldn’t travel with the rest of the contingent.

Fortune, however, did smile upon him finally as the Bengal pacer now finds himself in India’s ODI scheme of things on their ongoing South Africa tour as a replacement for Deepak Chahar, who has been ruled out owing to a family emergency.

For Akash, the dream is not just to play, but to contribute to India’s success as that’s what matters most. “Obviously, it’s huge to be a part of the national team.

“It’s not just about donning the India jersey, it’s about doing well for India and having a role to play in the team’s success. That’s what my dream is.

“If I get a chance, I’ll have to ensure I get my execution right. That’s it,” Akash,
who was already there in South Africa with the India ‘A’ squad, said on Saturday after coming to know of his Team India call-up.

He will also be banking on a few inputs from his Bengal new-ball partner Mukesh Kumar, who too features in the ODI squad and has some experience of South African conditions having played the T20I leg.

Given Akash’s current form (10 wickets from six games in this year’s Vijay Hazare Trophy), he won’t have to wait too long for his ODI debut, feels Bengal chief coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla.