Coming into the five-match Test series against England, India pacer Akash Deep's place in the playing XI wasn't confirmed as the side already had a pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna in the team. As a result, Akash didn't feature in the first Test, however head coach Gautam Gambhir showed faith in the 28-year-old and gave him a chance in the second Test.
Akash made the most out of the opportunity and ended up taking a 10-wicket haul in the match. He played a crucial role in the Men in Blue's rampant 336-run victory over the hosts. He also played a key role in India's victory in the fifth and final Test by playing a valiant knock of 66 after being sent to bat as a night-watchman. He finished the series with 13 wickets from 6 innings.
The pacer has now revealed that Gambhir told him that he himself wasn't aware of his own capabilities and backed him to perform in the tour despite there being many doubts over his place in the XI.
"Tumko khud pata nahi tum kya kar sakte ho (You aren't aware of your capabilities). 'See, I was telling you, you can do it. You have to play with this dedication always'," Akash Deep said in an interview with PTI.
"Gautam bhai is a very passionate coach. He always motivates us. He believes in me more than I believe in myself, both in my batting and bowling," he added.
Akash also shared his take on playing under Shubman Gill's leadership and remarked that the latter is quite supportive as the captain. The pacer also recalled how he had played under Gill during last year's Duleep Trophy as well.
"He is a very good captain. It's not like he is a new captain. He has already been an IPL captain for a couple of years, which is a big platform. That experience does count. With Shubman as captain, I didn't feel like I was playing for the first time. He's very supportive. When a captain supports you and understands things well, especially when you are down, it makes a big difference," Akash Deep stated.
"I have played Duleep Trophy under his captaincy last year so it wasn't the first time. He is a cool customer with a lot of ideas and when someone is calm, it helps in taking good on-field decisions," he further added.
India to next play Tests against West Indies
Meanwhile, India's next Test assignment will be a two-match home series against West Indies which is sety to commence from October 2. Akash will definitely be looking to cement his place in the Men in Blue's playing XI for Tests with this upcoming assignment.