India’s fast bowler Akash Deep has recently praised the country’s domestic cricket system, stating that it thoroughly prepares players for the demands of international cricket.

He highlighted the strength of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s structure, emphasizing that by the time players reach the international level, they are already “battle-tested” through exposure to high-quality cricket.

This rigorous preparation, according to Akash, eases the transition to the global stage. Having played two Tests so far, he shared his thoughts during a media interaction in Kanpur.

Akash emphasized, “The structure the BCCI has for domestic cricket is so strong that by the time you get to this level, you have already played a lot of good-quality cricket.” 

His own journey reflects this; his stellar performances in the Ranji Trophy, where he claimed 35 wickets for Bengal at an outstanding average of 18.02, played a crucial role in his team’s progression to the final. 

This performance, along with consistent displays in other domestic tournaments, earned him a place in India’s national team.

His rise through the domestic circuit highlights the importance of competitions like the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and Deodhar Trophy in shaping players for international duty. 

Akash continued to shine in these tournaments, which eventually led to his selection for the national side. 

A notable moment in his career came during his Test debut against the England Lions in early 2024, where he took 11 wickets in two games, including dismissing key players like Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope.

Akash also credited the Indian team’s senior members, especially captain Rohit Sharma, for making his transition to international cricket smoother. 

He admitted that he initially felt some pressure and uncertainty when joining the Indian squad, but Rohit Sharma’s calm and straightforward leadership put him at ease. 

Akash stated, “When I got to the ground, [Rohit] bhaiya made things so simple for me that I didn’t know if I was playing domestic cricket or international cricket.”

Feeling comfortable in the international environment, Akash has been able to draw on the wealth of experience he gained during his domestic cricket journey. 

Having taken 104 wickets in first-class matches, 42 in List A cricket, and 48 in T20s, his experience across formats has given him a solid foundation for international success. 

His ability to focus on his strengths and adapt to different conditions has been a key factor in his progress.

When asked about his outlook for the future, Akash emphasized the importance of staying present and not worrying too much about upcoming series or tours. 

He focuses on the match at hand, which helps him avoid unnecessary pressure. This mindset has enabled him to remain consistent and grounded as he navigates his career.

Commenting on the conditions in Kanpur, where India played Bangladesh in the final game of the series, Akash noted that the pitch was sporting, favoring neither batsmen nor bowlers. 

He stressed the importance of adjusting his bowling strategies to suit the conditions, regardless of whether the wicket was ideal for fast bowlers. His focus remains on putting the ball in the right areas to take wickets.

Akash also shared a personal connection to Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium, recalling how he had heard of the stadium as a child growing up in nearby Banaras.

He humorously remembered thinking the name “Green Park” referred to the color of the entire ground. 

Returning to the stadium as an international cricketer was a special experience for him, marking another milestone in his journey.

Akash Deep’s story underscores the effectiveness of India’s domestic cricket system in grooming talent for the international stage. 

With his passion, focus, and determination, Akash is poised to make a significant impact on India’s national team.