Akash Deep's Fearless Fifty: Team Banter, Tactical Shifts, and Crucial Runs at The Oval

India's Akash Deep plays a shot during the third day of the fifth cricket test match between England and India at The Kia Oval in London, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Akash Deep, India's nightwatchman, delivered a memorable performance, scoring his maiden half-century. He and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who remained steady at an unbeaten 85, propelled India to 189 for three at lunch on Day 3 of the final Test against England in London on Saturday. Their impressive 107-run partnership, forged over 150 balls, solidified India's position after they resumed play at 75 for two.

Deep, starting the day at four, exhibited aggressive batting, scoring 66 runs off 94 balls. His innings was cut short when Jamie Overton's short ball, aimed at his rib cage, led to an easy catch for Gus Atkinson at point.

Prior to this innings, Akash Deep had only one first-class fifty to his name. He showcased his attacking intentions right from the start, hitting a boundary over mid-wicket off Jacob Bethell's bowling.

His aggressive approach persisted against the fast bowlers, particularly Atkinson. He achieved his fifty with a commanding slog shot, earning widespread applause from the Indian dressing room.

Captain Shubman Gill, speaking on BCCI.tv, highlighted the team's internal dynamics: "There’s been ongoing banter in the dressing room, where batters keep telling lower-order bowlers to contribute with the bat. I think today he settled all that talk."

KL Rahul shared the advice he gave Akash Deep before Day 3 commenced: "Most of the chatter is always about the bowlers trying to steal our bats. This morning, I had a brief chat with him and told him to think like a batter and not throw his wicket away... Enjoy himself, play his shots but also be responsible — and I think he did all of that."

Prasidh Krishna emphasized the significance of Akash's knock: "I think it was huge for Akash. It was really important for us — the runs he scored and the time he spent at the crease."

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak recounted a conversation in the lift after Day 2: "I told him, if the ball is in your range tomorrow, go for it. Don’t go for forced defence, because you got out defending in your last two innings. So happy to see a fast bowler scoring an important fifty for us."

Gill also revealed his morning discussion with Akash: "This morning, before he went out to bat, I told him — if the ball is in your radar, look to score."

Akash shared his mindset: "Last night when I went to bed, my mindset was that I won’t get out. If the ball gets me, fine, but I won’t throw my wicket. Even if it hits my body, I will stay and play. The 100-run partnership with Jaiswal was special for me. The fifty was also special, but those two hours I batted for my team were more special."

Jaiswal praised his partner: "I think it was just wonderful the way he batted. We were having a good chat in the middle. I hope he keeps doing this for us in the future."

Gill encapsulated the sentiment perfectly: "I think those 66 runs are no less than a century."