Akash Deep on Rohit Sharma Captiancy: Amid criticism of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy after the 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, India right-arm fast bowler Akash Deep praised the opening batsman’s leadership style, saying he has never had a captain like him. Haven’t seen it. Rohit had to face constant criticism for his dull captaincy and disappointing batting during the Australia tour.
After missing the first match of the series in Perth due to the birth of his second child, Rohit failed to score more than 10 runs in five innings before being rested in the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He scored only 31 runs in the series and came under public scrutiny for his poor performance.
In an exclusive conversation with ‘IANS’, Akash praised Rohit’s captaincy and the approach of coach Gautam Gambhir and said, “I consider myself very fortunate that I got the opportunity to start under the leadership of Rohit (Sharma). The way. He leads and keeps things simple, I have never seen a captain like him. Gambhir sir, the way he motivates and gives freedom – those things really help the players mentally.”
Akash, who made a brilliant Test debut against England last year, played two Tests against Australia. In the Gabba Test, he took three wickets in two innings and in the Melbourne Test he took only two wickets. Reflecting on the experience of his first tour of Australia, the 28-year-old fast bowler said, “I learned a lot because before this I had played Test cricket in Indian conditions, where bowling was not as important.”
Akash further added, “In Australia, as a fast bowler, I learned a lot which will help my game both mentally and physically. Even when our bodies were tired in those conditions, Even then our mentality was to push ourselves because the team needed a longer spell from us.”
Emphasizing on improving his game, he admitted that he was not satisfied with his performance on his first Australia tour. Akashdeep said, “If I become complacent, the scope for improvement will diminish. I feel there are still areas where I can improve, and I am actively trying to do so.”
Akashdeep further said, “It was my first tour of Australia, so I didn’t have the experience of those conditions to know what else I could add to my bowling. I think I needed to improve my skills in reading the pitch and the batsmen and understanding the conditions.” “There is a need to improve further.”
Akash missed the final Test against Australia as coach Gautam Gambhir said he was suffering from a back problem. Giving an update about his injury, the fast bowler said that everything is fine with him, and he will resume his practice after two weeks of rest.
Akashdeep said, “I am resting right now, there is no injury. I have been playing Test cricket for a long time, so my body needs rest, and rest is fine. I have got two weeks’ rest, and Then I will start my practice.”
