Duleep Trophy: Akash Deep claims his fifth FC fifer
What's the story
Right-arm pacer Akash Deep delivered a stellar performance in the ongoing Duleep Trophy match, pushing India A toward a potential victory against India B.
His impressive bowling skills were on full display as he took nine wickets across both innings, including a five-wicket haul in the second.
This feat helped his team dismiss India B for 184, setting a target of 275 runs for India A with over two sessions left on the final day.
Consistent performance
Akash's stellar spells
After taking four wickets in the first innings, Akash followed up with an equally impressive five-wicket haul in the second.
He trapped Abhimanyu Easwaran and Musheer Khan cheaply with the new ball.
The pacer then ran through the lower order, sending back the likes of Washington Sundar, Sai Kishore, and Navdeep Saini
This left India B reeling at 184 all out from a comfortable 140 for 4, setting a challenging target for India A to chase down.
Career trajectory
Akash's journey in international cricket
The 27-year-old fast bowler has so far played only one Test in his budding international career.
He made his debut against England in Ranchi earlier this year, where he took three wickets in the first innings.
Despite being a late bloomer, Akash caught attention in just his second First-Class match after moving from Bihar to Kolkata.
Representing Bengal, he claimed six wickets against Gujarat and ended the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy season with an impressive haul of 35 wickets.
Stats
Here are his FC numbers
Akash finished with 5/56 across 14 overs in his second outing after claiming 4/60 in his first.
Meanwhile, 2019 marked Akash's debut in First-Class, List A, and T20 cricket.
In red-ball cricket, he has raced to 116 wickets from 32 games at a 23-plus average.
The tally includes five five-wicket hauls, with 6/60 being his best figures. Akash also owns a fifty with the bat.
He owns 42 and 49 wickets in List A and T20 cricket.
Opportunities
Uncertainty over key pacers opens doors for Akash
The Indian team might consider young pacers for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh due to Jasprit Bumrah's extended break and Mohammed Shami's ongoing injury recovery.
Mohammed Siraj's withdrawal from the Duleep Trophy due to illness add to the concerns.
This situation presents an ideal opportunity for Akash to secure his place in India's Test squad, following his successful debut against England earlier this year.