India pacer Akash Deep believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are cricketing legends

New Delhi: Akash Deep showers praise on India skipper Rohit Sharma. The promising young right-arm pacer, who has already impressed in the two Tests he’s participated in, acknowledges Rohit for fostering a relaxed environment in the Indian dressing room. This has greatly aided Akash Deep in making a seamless transition from domestic to international cricket.

The 27-year-old, who had claimed a three-wicket haul in his Test debut against England earlier this year in Ranchi, was picked as the third seamer for the opener of the series at Chennai, where he did beautifully. Akash Deep came out as a discovery of sparkle with two quick wickets off new ball in Bangladesh’s first innings.

Ahead of the second test, Akash thanked Indian legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for guiding him to the right path.

“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,” Akash told reporters in Kanpur.

“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.”

Akash has faced significant challenges in his personal life, having lost his father and brother within a span of two months. These tough experiences have likely contributed to his mental resilience, a crucial trait for managing the pressures of international cricket.

He noted that the straightforward working style of skipper Rohit Sharma made his transition to the Indian team much easier.

“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.”The pacer from Bengal has a lot of clarity in his thought process and says that thoughts of the future do not bother him and living in the present is his guiding mantra.

“In the last two years, I have played a lot of cricket. It’s not just a three-month season for us. Even after Ranji, you play Duleep Trophy, Irani Cup. As a player, you need to understand yourself and know your strengths,” he said.

“When we play at this level, we should not get confused that I played a certain style at that level (Ranji) and things are different here. I don’t put too much pressure that I need to go to Australia and all that. I live in the present. It remains simple for me.”Akash said he is ready for the challenges ahead, having gone through the rigours of domestic circuit.

“The domestic format is so good that by the time you reach this stage, you already know what to do. You know what you are expected to do. There is no confusion as such. The idea is to put your learning into practice. I don’t find something new in it.”