In an exclusive interview with Boria Majumdar on RevSportz, Akash Deep spoke about team India’s mindset on the dramatic final day at the Oval, when India staged a remarkable comeback to win the fifth Test by just six runs.
“We were bowling on the second day when there was not much help from the wicket and no movement,” he recalled. “Our belief was that England is such a team where if you can break partnerships and take 1-2 wickets, then they give you wickets in bunches and come under pressure. The way they were playing, I felt it would have been very stressful for them to bat under pressure and win the match from there. So, our plan was to just bowl in the right areas. They were under pressure, and overall it worked out.”
England seemed in control on day four, reaching 301/3 while chasing 374, thanks to a massive 195-run partnership between Harry Brook and Joe Root. However, India’s bowlers produced a stunning turnaround, taking the last seven wickets for just 66 runs.
Reflecting on the moment when England looked set for victory, Akash Deep admitted the tension was high but said it also brought out the best in the team.
“Yes, it was intense and there was pressure. But I guess that pressure made us aggressive and the game turned out to be good for us,” he said. “The pressure helped us focus and notice what was going on better. The crowd played a big part in the evening, as it totally changed – cheering for us after cheering for England before that. After playing for so long, the body was very tired, but the crowd’s energy gave us a lot of enthusiasm.”
Akash Deep emerged as one of India’s standout performers in the recently concluded Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy in England. The pacer picked up 13 wickets in just three matches, including a memorable five-wicket haul, and alsocontributed with the bat, scoring a crucial 66 in the second innings at The Oval.
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