Akash Deep credits Gautam Gambhir for standing by him during tough times

Akash Deep credits Gautam Gambhir for standing by him during tough times

Akash Deep Returns to India’s Test Squad With Gautam Gambhir’s Confidence Behind Him

India fast bowler Akash Deep is preparing for an international comeback after an injury layoff of nearly eight months. Named in the squad for the upcoming two-Test series in New Zealand, the 29-year-old will have an opportunity to reinforce India’s pace attack at a pivotal point in the World Test Championship (WTC) race.

As he works his way back into the national side, Akash has credited head coach Gautam Gambhir’s consistent encouragement with helping him stay positive. The pacer says Gambhir not only highlights what players do well but also urges them to develop other parts of their game—an approach that has helped Akash build confidence while recovering from a difficult period.

How Gautam Gambhir’s Support Has Helped Akash Deep

Akash has described Gambhir as a coach who finds promise in small details and makes a point of communicating belief in his players. The fast bowler said that Gambhir encouraged him to work on his batting as well as his primary skill, giving him a broader role to consider as he returns to the Test setup.

Speaking to RevSportz, Akash explained that the coach’s praise can be so generous that it sometimes makes him question whether he truly deserves it. But he also acknowledged how powerful that support can be for an athlete, particularly during a long rehabilitation period.

“GG Sir motivates a lot and is always positive. He looks at the big things in every little thing. He motivated me to focus on my batting as well. He praises me so much that sometimes even I doubt whether I am that good,” Akash said.

He added that a coach’s confidence can influence a player’s mindset and eventually show in performances. In a format where bowlers may need to stay patient for long spells, that mental assurance can be as important as physical readiness. Akash’s comments also point to a wider emphasis in India’s setup on building adaptable cricketers who can contribute beyond one specialist skill.

From Back Injury to Competitive Cricket

Akash’s last Test appearance came during India’s 2025 tour of England. A lower-back injury then kept him away from competitive cricket for close to eight months, including the entire IPL 2026 season. For a fast bowler, a back problem can demand a cautious recovery, as returning too quickly risks disrupting both fitness and rhythm.

His route back has included appearances in domestic cricket. Akash featured in the Irani Cup in 2026 and then represented Bengal against Delhi in the opening round of the 2026–27 Ranji Trophy season. Those matches offered valuable opportunities to rebuild his workload and test himself in competitive conditions before being considered for India duty again.

Akash has played 10 Tests for India, taking 28 wickets at an average of 35.78. His best innings return is six wickets for 99 runs, but his most memorable contribution came at Edgbaston during the England tour. He claimed four wickets in the first innings and six in the second, finishing with 10 wickets in the match as India secured a 336-run victory to level the series.

That performance remains a useful reminder of what Akash can offer when conditions suit his strengths. He can generate pace and movement, while his ability to maintain pressure across a long spell could prove important in New Zealand, where seam bowling often plays a central role. Still, selection does not guarantee an immediate place in the playing XI: India’s management will need to balance workload, form and conditions before settling on its attack.

India’s WTC Challenge: One Match at a Time

Akash’s return arrives as India face a demanding path in the World Test Championship standings. The team needs to win six of its next seven Tests to qualify for the WTC final, leaving little room for dropped points. The New Zealand series therefore carries significant weight, even as the team must avoid allowing the broader qualification picture to become a distraction.

Akash’s own prediction is measured rather than dramatic. He believes India should focus on the immediate task instead of becoming overwhelmed by the number of victories required. Taking each day, match and session as it comes, he said, offers a practical way to handle the pressure.

“This is cricket. Anything is possible. I feel we must focus on the process, day by day, match by match, session by session. If we look at it one match at a time, it can be easy. Otherwise, it will be difficult,” he said.

The approach reflects the demands of Test cricket, where momentum can shift over a single session and a series is rarely decided by one moment alone. For India, disciplined execution—whether with the new ball, in the field or during a difficult batting passage—will be essential to keeping their WTC hopes alive.

What Akash Deep Could Add to India’s Pace Attack

Akash’s selection gives India another seam-bowling option as the team prepares for conditions that may reward accuracy, movement and stamina. His previous Test experience, including a standout 10-wicket match, provides a strong reference point, while his recent domestic appearances should help him return with match practice rather than relying solely on training.

The key question will be how quickly he can rediscover his best rhythm after injury. India are likely to manage his workload carefully, particularly if the series demands long spells or closely spaced matches. His batting development, encouraged by Gambhir, may also help strengthen the lower order if he can turn that work into dependable runs.

For Akash, the comeback is about more than returning to the squad. It is a chance to show that he has recovered fully, translate the coach’s confidence into performances and help India navigate a high-pressure stretch of the Test calendar. With the New Zealand series approaching, his form and fitness will be closely watched by supporters looking for fresh energy in India’s pace department.

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