When Akash Deep earned his maiden call-up for India’s Test tour of England, he entered the squad with little expectation of what lay ahead. The 28-year-old pacer converted the rare chance into a series to remember, ending as one of the most impactful players in the 2-2 draw. Over three matches, he snared 13 wickets, registering both a four-wicket haul and a five-for. His contribution extended beyond the ball, as he stunned many with a gritty 66 at The Oval while playing the role of nightwatchman. That innings proved decisive in India’s nail-biting six-run triumph. Speaking to Sports Tak, Akash revealed that the foundation of his performance came from absorbing the counsel of some of India’s most respected cricketers. he recalled, “Virat bhai always tells me ‘practice makes a man perfect’. He also advised that if you have any doubts about something, you should practice it so much that the doubts vanish completely." He also cited MS Dhoni’s guidance, noting, “cricket is a game of confidence, and that confidence comes with practice.” On head coach Gautam Gambhir’s influence, Akash said, “You have something within you that you don’t even know, and you can achieve great things in cricket.” Read also: Sanju Samson Regrets Not Retaining Ashwin at RR Amid IPL 2026 Trade Rumours Pressure moments and decisive swing at The Oval Akash admitted that on the tense final day of the fifth Test, there were spells where the team feared defeat. India had been trailing in the series and, despite competitive performances, were yet to produce a winning result in England. He said, “It was an extremely important game, and that particular day was even more crucial. There were moments when the wicket felt very flat and we thought we might lose. But when the moment came and the ball started to swing, and the Indian crowd began cheering for them, we realised we could win." The support from teammates Mohammad Siraj and KL Rahul, constantly urging him on, was pivotal. He added, “The continuous cheering from Siraj, KL Rahul, and Akash made a huge difference, filling them with positive energy." With a debut series that combined wickets, runs, and composure under pressure, Akash Deep’s story stands as a blend of personal grit and the lasting impact of senior players’ wisdom.