For India aspirants, a successful Ranji Trophy campaign can turn out to be a gateway to the biggest stage even at a time when much of the spotlight is stolen by IPL.

Pacer Akash Deep has already managed to crack the IPL code with his impressive outings for Bengal earning him a place in the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad. Bengal’s highest wicket-taker in the ongoing Ranji Trophy with 37 scalps, Akash has certainly played a massive role in the Manoj Tiwary-led side’s progress to the final, which begins on Thursday.

Performing in the all-important decider will surely help him impress the national selectors once again and brighten his prospects for an India A berth at least. But for the 26-year-old, all that matters at present is ensuring Bengal win the Ranji crown.

“Of course, it feels really good if my performance gets noticed by people who matter. But I don’t think about selection-related matters as that’s beyond my control.

Akash Deep during practice at the Eden on Tuesday. Telegraph picture

“Precisely, all that I’m thinking about now is holding the (Ranji) trophy with my teammates. With the amount of effort we’ve put in, we do need to win the crown. In fact, that’s occupying so much space in my mind that I’m sometimes unable to analyse even my own bowling,” Akash told The Telegraph after Bengal’s training session at Eden Gardens on Tuesday.

Alongside pace, Akash has also gained in terms of maturity and experience, which he proved particularly in the semi-final against Madhya Pradesh in Indore with his five-for in the first innings on a wicket having little assistance for quicks.

“Maturity, I feel, is enabling me to adapt better to the conditions,” he emphasised. “I’m able to gauge well the ideal time for reverse swing.

“I believe that helps me get batsmen out bowled and lbw even on surfaces not favouring fast bowlers much.”

Akash has so far featured in only five IPL games, but the time he has spent in the RCB dressing room has benefited his mindset immensely. “More than getting tips from the stalwarts, it’s about closely observing their approach and how they go about while training. And then, you get into that zone and try to emulate such a mindset,” he said.

Bold prediction

Not just Akash, captain Tiwary is also oozing confidence as he was bold enough to claim that his side will be the favourites in the final. Much to Bengal’s delight, the Eden pitch, too, is a green top.

“I think it’ll be a one-sided final as we’re the favourites,” Tiwary said. “I’m not saying this just to make a big statement. I’ve done my analysis of both teams. Yes, against Karnataka (in the semi-final), Saurashtra chased well, but the wicket was slow there (in Bangalore) and pacers weren’t getting any help. That won’t be the case here.”