While Shubman Gill rightfully earned the official "Player of the Match" award for his outstanding batting performance in the Edgbaston Test against England, Ravichandran Ashwin believes another Indian player was more deserving of the title: Akash Deep.

Gill's contributions were undeniably significant. He set a record for the most runs by an Indian in a single Test match, amassing 430 runs across both innings with 269 in the first and 161 in the second. However, Ashwin argued that Akash Deep's bowling performance had a more profound impact on the game's outcome.

Akash Deep, who was included in the side to replace the rested Jasprit Bumrah for the second Test match, showcased exceptional skill and control, particularly his ability to generate false shots. According to Ashwin, Akash Deep's false shot percentage was an impressive 22.8%, meaning he was beating the bat on nearly one in every five balls. He dedicated his performance to his sister, who had been diagnosed with cancer.

Ashwin emphasized that Akash Deep's bowling not only created opportunities for wickets but also allowed Mohammed Siraj to capitalize and take six wickets in the first innings. He also lauded Akash Deep's performance in first-class cricket.

Ashwin criticized England's approach to the game, especially their fatigue after having to field for an extended period, further highlighting the importance of India's bowling performance, spearheaded by Akash Deep. He also noted that England's players admitted to feeling tired after the second Test, which he attributed to India keeping them on the field for ten sessions after they won the toss.

While Gill's batting provided the foundation for India's victory, Ashwin suggests that Akash Deep's bowling prowess and the pressure it exerted on the English batsmen were equally, if not more, crucial in securing the win.