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'Aage Badh...': Akash Deep Opens Up On How Rohit Sharma Motivated Him After  Test Debut

Akash Deep reveals Rohit Sharma's motivational words [X.com]Akash Deep reveals Rohit Sharma's motivational words [X.com]

Indian cricket has seen exceptional talent emerge under Rohit Sharma's captaincy. Many Indian young stars who have played under Rohit often revealed his ability to motivate and nurture young talent.

The 27-year-old pacer made his Test debut earlier this year against England at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, where he picked up three wickets, including those of Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope. 

Despite this promising start, his debut wasn’t without its challenges. A no-ball incident, which resulted in 19 runs being scored off the next over, mentally put Akash in a tough spot.

Akash Deep Recalls Rohit Sharma's Words

In an interview with TOI, Akash Deep shared how Rohit Sharma’s support helped him regain his confidence after the brutal no-ball incident. Akash recalled feeling disappointed, not because of the no-ball itself but because of the runs scored off Siraj in the subsequent over. 

Despite the setback, Rohit Sharma encouraged the pacer, which made a significant difference. Rohit’s advice to "move on and keep going" helped Akash maintain his focus and eventually get Crawley out, a moment of relief and joy for the young pacer.

"I didn't feel bad at all when I took a wicket that was given as a no ball. What made me feel worse was that Zak Crawley hammered Siraj for 19 runs after two overs. I felt bad because my no ball allowed him to score those runs,"  he said.


"But I had a belief that I would get him out; I had some plans in my mind. I eventually got rid of Crawley. I knew I would dismiss him, and I was confident. When I dismissed him, I felt so relieved and happy at the same time." 

"Rohit bhaiya came forward and motivated me after that no ball. He said, 'Aage badh, hota rehta hai.' He asked me to leave that no ball behind and move forward. But as a bowler, you don't forget such incidents," he added.

Akash Deep's Performance Against Bangladesh

After his debut, Akash Deep returned to the Test series against Bangladesh. In the first match, he took two wickets, conceding 19 runs while dismissing Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque. He retained his spot for the second match of the two-match series against Bangladesh.