Fast bowler Akash Deep heaped praise on Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for supporting him. The 27-year-old recently played a crucial role in India’s massive 280-run win over Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. He got the wickets of Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque and had figures of 5-0-19-2 in the first innings.
Having played both his Tests until now in his career under Rohit, the Bengal fast bowler said that the veteran has made life ‘simple’ for him in the national team. Deep is next set to play in India’s second Test, starting September 27 at the Green Park in Kanpur.
“I had hesitation initially that there would be pressure, but Rohit bhaiya made things so simple. I haven’t played under such a supportive captain. He keeps things simple, I never felt whether I am playing domestic or international cricket,” Akash Deep said in a press conference.
Back in February, Deep made his Test debut against England at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi. Going down the memory lane, the pacer said that he was awestruck by the dedication shown by Rohit, Virat Kohli and other Indian cricketers. Deep said that Kohli and Rohit have motivated him to work harder.
“When I came here, I witnessed a different level of dedication and hard work from the players who are legends of the game, and considered the gods of cricket like Rohit, Virat bhai,” Deep said.
“I realised that they have achieved so much and are still working so hard during training. Their thought process is at a different level, this motivates me to work even harder,” Deep added.
After winning the first Test, India would be looking to win the series when they lock horns with Bangladesh in Kanpur.