Akash Deep has always proven himself as a valuable bowler for India, especially in the red-ball format. However, his recent batting performance in the ongoing 5th Test match between India and England has surprised many and added another layer to his reputation.
Sent in as a night watchman, Akash Deep rose to the occasion by not only defending his wicket but also scoring his maiden Test fifty. His determined knock helped steady India’s innings, proving that he’s more than just a tailender with the bat.
It has been a while since India witnessed such a reliable and effective night watchman. While Kuldeep Yadav showed promise with the bat last year, Akash Deep’s gritty half-century has arguably raised the bar higher in recent memory.
His composure and focus at the crease injected fresh hope into the Indian tail-end batting lineup. The English bowlers looked visibly frustrated as Akash handled them with poise, a rare sight from a pace bowler batting under pressure.
This performance highlights the value of genuine Test talent over flashy IPL stars who often fall short in longer formats. With the bat already doing the talking, it remains to be seen whether Akash Deep can now deliver with the ball and help India gain full control of the match while leveling the serie
