3 reasons why Akash Deep being ruled out of BGT 2024-25 5th Test is a huge blow to India

In a disappointing development for Indian cricket fans ahead of the final Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, Akash Deep has suffered an injury. The pace bowler has hurt his back and will not be available for selection in the SCG Test match.

Akash Deep was one of the four pace bowlers picked by India in their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test. Although Deep could not make the same impact as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, he played the supporting pacer's role to perfection.

Deep came into the playing XI for the Brisbane Test, replacing Harshit Rana. He took five wickets in two matches, with his best figures being 2/28. In this listicle now, we will look at the three reasons why Deep being ruled out of the fifth Test of BGT 2024-25 is a huge blow for Team India.

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#1 Akash Deep had the number of Alex Carey in BGT 2024-25

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey has been one of the most impressive batters for Australia in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 series. He bats down the order and builds important partnerships with the tail-enders. Notably, Carey has amassed 195 runs at a strike rate of more than 70 in this series.

Akash Deep was selected in India's playing XI for the third and fourth Tests, and he dismissed Carey in both matches. The Indian team will miss Deep's services when the Australian wicketkeeper comes out to bat in the SCG Test.

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#2 Akash Deep was a solid option in the lower order

One of the major reasons why India is trailing 1-2 and not 1-3 in the series against Australia is Akash Deep's batting. The fast bowler chipped in with a crucial 44-ball 31 while batting at number 11 in the first innings of the Gabba Test match.

The 31-run knock from Deep ensured India avoided a follow-on and thereby left Australia with no chance of winning the Test by an innings. India have the options of Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna to replace Deep. Neither of the two pacers can match Deep's batting skills.

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#3 Akash Deep created a lot of chances with the ball

Although Deep scalped only five wickets in the two Test matches he played against Australia in BGT 2024-25, the pacer was very unlucky. He could have easily taken five more wickets had some of the close deliveries taken the edge of the bat or knocked down the stumps.

Deep built pressure on the opposition team with his pace bowling. His likely replacement, Prasidh Krishna, conceded runs at more than four runs per over in his debut Test series against South Africa on the pace-friendly South African wickets in 2023/24.

Even Harshit Rana could not execute his plans to perfection when he played in the pink-ball Test against Australia. The economy rates of Rana or Krishna could be an area of concern for India in the Sydney Test. Thus, the injury to Deep will be a huge blow to the team.