India A pacer Akash Deep delivered a standout performance in the first-round match of the Duleep Trophy against India B, bagging a match haul of 9 for 116. Despite India A's 76-run loss, Akash’s bowling left a mark on the game, with his spells of 4/60 and 5/56 unsettling the opposition.

Akash credited senior pacer Mohammed Shami for helping him refine his red-ball bowling technique. He revealed that Shami's advice played a crucial role in his ability to move the ball both ways, a skill that proved decisive in the match. Akash recalled two of his favorite dismissals: Nitish Kumar Reddy in the first innings and Washington Sundar in the second innings. The ball to Sundar, in particular, was a well-planned dismissal where Akash switched from around the wicket to over the wicket, rattling Sundar’s stumps.

Reflecting on Shami's influence, Akash explained how their conversations shaped his bowling mindset. "Shami advised me not to focus too much on bringing the ball in. He said it would come naturally over time and become a wicket-taking ball," Akash shared. He added that this ability to make the ball move away consistently creates confusion for batters, making the occasional in-swinger even more dangerous,” he said.

Akash's 41 overs across the two innings were the most bowled by any player in the match, showcasing his endurance and ability to maintain intensity over long spells. He credited his conditioning work at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in the last month, preparing him for the demands of first-class cricket. "As a fast bowler, it’s difficult to come back after such a long break. The practice matches at NCA helped me get used to the rigors of match conditions," he added.

Though India A faltered, Akash remained focused on his process rather than the result. "If you're satisfied as a player, you'll stop learning. I think of every match as my last and stay in the present. It’s about constantly learning and improving, not just getting wickets," Akash further said.

His performances in the Duleep Trophy have put him in the frame for a potential spot in India’s upcoming Test matches, especially with Mohammed Shami’s availability uncertain. Akash, however, prefers to focus on the present. "What happens with selection is out of my hands. I just focus on my recovery and preparation for the next challenge," he concluded.

This performance adds to Akash’s growing reputation as a red-ball bowler, and with his Test debut already behind him, he is firmly on the radar for future national team selections as he’s been named for the upcoming first Test against Bangladesh starting from September 19.