Ravichandran Ashwin has stirred the pot ahead of the third Test at Lord’s by suggesting that Akash Deep—not Shubman Gill—deserved the Player of the Match award at Edgbaston. While Gill’s record-breaking 430 runs made headlines, Ashwin believes it was Akash’s remarkable bowling on an unhelpful pitch that turned the game.
“Big Statement, But Akash Deserved It”: Ashwin
Speaking on his YouTube channel alongside journalist Vimal Kumar, Ashwin didn’t flinch before making his opinion clear: “This might be a big statement, but I think Akash Deep should have gotten the Player of the Match on a surface like that.”
Ashwin’s point? Gill’s contribution with the bat was undoubtedly phenomenal—but Akash Deep’s 10-wicket haul on a flat deck that offered almost nothing for bowlers was just as impactful, if not more.
Gill’s Heroic 430 Overshadows a Gritty 10-Wicket Spell
Shubman Gill’s twin knocks of 269 and 161 earned him the top honors after India’s crushing 336-run victory. He became the highest scorer by an Indian in a single Test match and was instrumental in leveling the series 1-1.
But Ashwin highlighted the context: the Edgbaston pitch heavily favored batters, making Akash Deep’s performance even more impressive. The young pacer’s ability to swing the ball, maintain pressure, and break partnerships made a huge difference on a pitch where England’s pacers toiled in vain.
Akash Deep’s Breakthrough Performance
Akash Deep’s 4/88 in the first innings and 6/99 in the second gave him career-best match figures of 10/187—easily one of the best by an Indian in England in recent times. Replacing Jasprit Bumrah in the XI, he stepped up when it mattered most.
After the match, Akash revealed an emotional layer to his success—his sister has been battling cancer, and he dedicated the performance to her.
Praise from Ravi Shastri: “India Might Have Found Their Best in English Conditions”
Former India coach Ravi Shastri also heaped praise on the Bengal pacer, saying, “India might have unearthed their best fast bowler in English conditions. Akash Deep is going to really trouble England.”
With three more Tests to go, the 27-year-old has announced himself in a big way—and may well be the new spearhead of India’s attack in England.
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