"I wouldn't jump the gun so early" - Dinesh Karthik dismisses Mohammed Siraj vs Akash Deep debate over 3rd seamer

Former keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik reckons that placing Akash Deep above Mohammed Siraj in the pecking order among Indian pacers would be unfair on the latter. Karthik explained that Siraj has earned his stripes, adding that while Akash Deep has been impressive, he has only just begun his international journey.

Akash Deep was India's most successful bowler on Day 1 of the second Test against Bangladesh at Green Park in Kanpur on Friday, September 27. On a curtailed day when only 35 overs of play were possible, he registered figures of 2-34 from 10 overs, dismissing both Bangladesh openers.

During the discussion on Cricbuzz , Karthik was asked if Akash Deep is on his way to becoming the preferred third seamer in the Indian Test team after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, leaving behind Siraj. Terming the observation as erroneous, he replied:

"Akash Deep is a superb talent. When we give him the ball, almost every time he picks up a wicket and that's a great skill to have. Siraj has done that for some time now. He was rated as the No. 1 bowler coming through the ranks from India A. He has earned his stripes and has done phenomenally well.

"I wouldn't jump the gun so early and say he [Akash Deep] is the third member of that pack. You can confidently add him as that fourth member to that line-up on that flight to Australia,” the 39-year-old went on to add.

While Akash Deep has picked up four wickets in 21 overs in the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh so far, Siraj has managed two scalps in 27.1 overs.

---

"That's going to happen for sure" - Dinesh Karthik on Akash Deep not picking up wickets with the old ball

While Akash Deep has been impressive in his short Test career so far, all his wickets have come with the new ball. The right-arm pacer hasn't looked as effective with the old ball in hand. According to Karthik, though, that is not a matter of concern and is something that will change with time.

"At this point of time, a majority of his wickets have come with the new ball. A couple of things are too glaring when that happens. You have solid spinners - Ashwin, Jadeja. We are sitting back on Axar and Kuldeep. When those players play, they take the bulk of the wickets in India," the former stumper explained.

"Yes, with the old ball he's [Akash Deep] yet to pick a wicket, but that's going to happen for sure. He's played a lot of domestic cricket and a majority of his wickets, I am sure, have come with the older ball or semi-new ball," Karthik concluded.

Heading into the ongoing Test match in Kanpur, Akash Deep had featured in 33 first-class matches, claiming 118 wickets at an average of 22.80.