Akash Deep has lauded Gautam Gambhir's influence as head coach of the Indian cricket team, particularly highlighting his "passionate" approach and the immense confidence he instills in players. This acknowledgment comes after Akash Deep's impressive performance during the recent tour of England, where he showcased his skills with both bat and ball.
Akash Deep, a 29-year-old Indian pacer, played a crucial role in India's performance in England. In one game, he secured a remarkable 10-wicket haul and also contributed a valuable half-century in another match, both of which led to victories for his team. Akash Deep's defining performance came at Edgbaston, where he dismantled England's batting lineup, taking 4/88 in the first innings and improving to 6/99 in the second. His 10/187 in the match sealed a resounding 336-run victory for India and marked their first Test win at the historic venue. In the fifth Test, he was sent in as a nightwatchman late on Day 3 and scored a determined 66 off 94 balls.
Akash Deep credited Gautam Gambhir for instilling confidence in him by showing faith in his abilities. He recalled a conversation with Gambhir after his score of 66 at the Oval. Gambhir told him, "Tumko khud pata nahi tum kya kar sakte ho (You aren't aware of your capabilities). See, I was telling you, you can do it. You have to play with this dedication always". Akash Deep described Gautam Gambhir as a very passionate coach who consistently motivates the team. He emphasized that Gambhir believes in him more than he believes in himself, regarding both his batting and bowling.
Having made his Test debut under Rahul Dravid in February 2024, Akash Deep has seamlessly transitioned into the Test environment, now playing under Shubman Gill. He described Shubman Gill as a composed and proactive leader. Akash Deep noted that playing under Shubman's captaincy was easy because of their previous experience together during the Duleep Trophy. He highlighted Shubman's experience as an IPL captain for a couple of years, which he believes is a significant advantage. Akash Deep emphasized that Shubman is very supportive, which makes a big difference, especially when a player is not performing well.
Akash Deep has played 10 Tests and taken 28 wickets. Despite missing games in both the Australia and England tours due to minor injuries, Akash Deep remains focused on maintaining his fitness. He emphasized the importance of minimizing training-related injuries while acknowledging that on-field impact injuries are unavoidable.
Akash Deep also shared insights into adapting to the English conditions, which, contrary to expectations, often lacked the typical swing associated with the region. He observed that the wickets felt more like those in the sub-continent, requiring strategic adjustments to his bowling.
Beyond his cricketing achievements, Akash Deep's personal life has also shaped his journey. His sister's battle with cancer served as a source of motivation, with his performances providing solace during her treatments. Upon returning to India, Akash Deep fulfilled a dream by purchasing a luxury SUV, symbolizing his journey from playing cricket with a tennis ball to achieving international recognition. Despite appreciating the rewards of his success, Akash Deep remains grounded and committed to cricket.
Gautam Gambhir was appointed as the head coach of the Indian national cricket team on July 9, 2024, succeeding Rahul Dravid. His first major assignment as head coach was the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where Team India emerged victorious. Gautam Gambhir's contract runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup.
