Cricket

How Manoj Tiwary played a part in the discovery of Akash Deep

September 8, 2024
Atreyo Mukhopadhyay
Akash Deep in the Indian jersey. Source (X)

Akash Deep returning a match haul of nine wickets in the Duleep Trophy encounter between India A and India B must have brought a smile of satisfaction on the face of Manoj Tiwary. The former India batter was instrumental in fast-tracking the inclusion of the fast bowler in the Bengal senior teams a few years ago. Akash has made rapid strides since and played in a Test match against England.

That Test appearance in Ranchi was as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah. He made an instant impression and took three wickets in the first innings. Those were of the top three in the English batting order and all were dismissed in the first session. Bumrah’s return meant Akash had to be dropped for the final Test, but in a long international season beginning this month, the Bengal bowler stands a strong chance of being part of the national side.

Speaking to RevSportz, Tiwary recalled how he spotted Akash and what drew his attention. “I was the Bengal captain and looking for a fast bowler. I checked with the then Bengal under-23 coach Saurasish Lahiri and a few others. They suggested Akash. I saw him in a few practice games and although my initial search was for a fast bowler for the Ranji Trophy team, I asked the selectors to have him in the T20 and one-day teams as well,” said the now-retired Tiwary.

Akash was on song in the Duleep Trophy game and took 4/60 and 5/56, playing for India A. With Mohammed Shami uncertain at the moment and given that India will need a pool of fast bowlers for the 10 Test matches lined up this season, the 27-year-old has made the best of starts compared to his ‘rivals’, also aspiring for a place in the Indian team.

Tiwary said that other than his brisk pace, the bowler with roots in Bihar also stood out for his ability to bowl long spells. “He bowled at around 140 kph. That itself was a big plus. He made life difficult for batters. He could also hit the ball hard and long as a lower-order batter. But his ability to bowl long spells under trying circumstances impressed me the most. He bowled for the team, not thinking about his own figures or physical condition,” said the former batter, who represented India in 12 ODIs and three T20Is.

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Tiwary also played a part in Akash’s inclusion in the Indian Premier League. “I was a bit disappointed when he accepted an offer to be a net bowler for Rajasthan Royals for Rs 5 lakh. I thought he could be more useful. Then, I sent a text message to Virat Kohli. He was leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the time and they were looking for an Indian fast bowler. I told Virat about Akash and although not immediately, he was eventually signed up by the RCB,” said Tiwary, who hit the winning runs for Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2012 IPL final.

As India head into a long season including five Tests in Australia, Tiwary felt Akash stands a chance. “He has the basics. Now, possibly, he needs to add a bit of variation. At the top level, it’s a problem if one becomes predictable. He needs guidance. If that happens in a proper way, I think he has a few years in which he can do really well. He is hard working and sincere. With assistance, he can get a lot better,” Tiwary signed off.

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