Former India player Navjot Singh Sidhu was unhappy with the Indian team selection, especially the decision to pick a half-fit Akash Deep over a fully fit Arshdeep Singh for the decider at the Oval.
Sidhu Slams Bowling Gamble, Questions Akash Deep’s Fitness in Decider
India, currently facing a setback in the ongoing 5th Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, has been criticised for their bowling picks by Navjot Singh Sidhu on his YouTube channel. Sidhu pointed out that India has once again compromised on their bowling line-up — this time by taking a risk with Akash Deep, who had earlier won them a match with his brilliant bowling.
“Look, the most disappointing thing is that you keep compromising on your bowling again and again. Akash Deep, I would say, was a great success story. He won you a match, then got injured,” Sidhu said on his YouTube channel.
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However, Sidhu noted that Akash Deep was not fully fit and unable to bowl to his full potential — particularly struggling during his landing.
“And now you have played a half-fit Akash Deep. Today, it was completely exposed. The ball is going a foot wide on the left side. He is not able to bend. He cannot get down. He is trying to play football, but even that he cannot manage. He is clearly in discomfort,” Sidhu added.
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“You’ll Break Siraj Too”: Sidhu Warns of Overburdened Pace Attack, Defends Akash Deep
Meanwhile, he pointed out that this would also put pressure on Mohammed Siraj — India’s best bowler of the series — as he could now be at risk of injury due to the added workload of bowling Akash Deep’s share of overs.
“You will end up breaking Siraj, too. He will also break down. Because you only have three bowlers. Look at England. They played four fast bowlers. One got injured, and they still had three. Now you have just three — and not even a proper three. It is not even two and a half now," the former India batter said.
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Sidhu, however, held back from criticising Akash Deep himself, showing empathy for the pacer who’s been battling injuries since the 2025 IPL.
"And to be fair, it is not Akash Deep’s fault. If he is injured, then he is injured. He was injured during the IPL, came back, and now he is as fragile as a touch-me-not plant. I think there have been around 13 changes. Bowlers keep coming and going," Sidhu concluded.
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