Follow UsAkash Deep feels you can’t learn everything from Jasprit Bumrah because it’s not possible for everyone to do things he does. The 28-year-old seamer said Bumrah is a gift from god, and his bowling abilities can’t just be imitated. In India’s tour of Australia, the ace paceman claimed 32 wickets at an insane average of 13.06.
“It’s a great feeling when the world’s best bowler is bowling with you. But the onus to support him in a game is also huge. Other than that, you are in the best position to observe such a genius and learn what he’s trying out with the ball. The challenge is to learn from the world’s best and try to contribute accordingly otherwise you would look ordinary. So, it’s a motivation for me to keep helping the team," Akash told News18 CricketNext.
“I don’t think you can try a few things and become like Bumrah. Wo bhagwan ka diya hua alag insaan hai (He’s god’s gift). A perfect bowler, who is complete in every aspect. Not every bowler is like that and neither you can learn all those tactics from him. But what you can grasp is the technicalities, like how to create pressure on the opponents.”
Bumrah did have an outstanding series but lacked support from the other end. Akash himself had a mediocre series, taking five wickets in two games at an average of 54. Having played only five Tests before touring Australia, Akash said it was the first time he was bowling with a Kookaburra ball, and admitted he could have produced better numbers.
“I played just 5 Tests before heading to Australia and didn’t get many overs to bowl because we have world-class spinners who do the heavy lifting at home. So, I knew, I would get one spell at max. This was my first overseas tour, and it was also my first experience bowling with a Kookaburra ball," Akash said.
“A fast bowler, in his early stage, wants wickets, wants to deliver and contribute to a winning cause. And when things don’t fall into place, it frustrates you. But that’s not in our hands. Sometimes the best of your deliveries doesn’t get you a wicket but a poor ball does. But I’m satisfied with my bowling, whatever I’ve done so far.
“I could’ve got better results but I’m happy that I performed as per the plans. If Boom bhai is getting wickets from one end, then I’m supposed to hold the game from the other which I did pretty well. Individual success is temporary but contributing to the team’s success is permanent.”
Talking about Rohit Sharma, under whom India have lost their last five Tests, Akash said, “Rohit bhai is the best leader in the world. No captain can be better than him. The best thing about him is he keeps the atmosphere of the dressing room very calm.
As a newcomer, a cricketer is nervous and could get under pressure. But Rohit bhai never lets me feel that way. Right from my debut match, he had my back. He gives me freedom as a bowler, and if I struggle with my plans, he comes suggests his own to make my job easier.”