India's fast bowler Akash Deep has praised pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, describing him as "uniquely crafted by God" and highlighting the challenges of replicating Bumrah's distinctive bowling style. Akash, who made his Test debut in February against England in Ranchi where Rahul Dravid handed him his cap, impressed with a fiery opening spell, catching the attention of many.

Akash's consistent performances in red-ball cricket have earned him a spot in India's 16-member squad for the upcoming first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai.

"This is a huge responsibility that I have been given, allowing me to serve my team. Shami bhai is currently injured... I see this as a responsibility and am trying my best to live up to the faith that the selectors and BCCI management have placed in me," Akash Deep told IANS on his selection to the Indian squad.

Asked about his inspiration behind his fast bowling, Akash Deep said, "I don't follow just one bowler too much", and hailed Bumrah as a unique bowler while admitting that he can't learn everything from him as he is tough to follow.

"Every bowler in the world has their own unique action and technique, and each one is great in their own way. I follow Rabada a bit, and Bumrah is a legend. It's hard to follow him. 'Bumrah bhai ko bhagwan ne alag hi bana k bheja hai (He has been uniquely crafted by God), and I can't learn everything from him. I also observe Siraj and learn from him. I pick up small things from various bowlers, but I don't follow just one bowler too much," said Akash Deep.

Reflecting on his experience of playing his first international match under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, the fast bowler was full of praises for the T20 world cup winning skipper and highlighted his ability to keep the dressing room at ease for the team members.

"I played my first match under Rohit bhaiya in Ranchi. I was thinking about how difficult it would be to play my debut match for the country. There's something special about him, when I played that first game, it didn't even feel like I was playing for India. He manages things so well, talks in a way that puts you at ease, and gives simple plans that make cricket easier. Playing under him is a matter of luck for any cricketer," he said.

On working under new head coach Gautam Gambhir, he said. "I haven't played under him (Gautam Gambhir) yet, but I met him during the IPL. I've watched him closely. I had just started playing when the 2007 T20 World Cup took place. The way he fights for the game of cricket makes me feel like I'll really enjoy playing under his leadership as well.

The 27-year-old has started the new domestic season impressively last week in Duleep Trophy, with a match haul of 9-116 for India A in their loss to India B.

Inputs from IANS