Akash Deep is ready to make his comeback to international cricket after nearly eight months, and Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has played a significant role in keeping his confidence high. Akash Deep spoke about how Gautam Gambhir’s positive approach has made a difference and his belief in him.

The 29-year-old fast bowler has been named in India’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series in New Zealand. With India facing a tough challenge in the race for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, Akash’s return strengthens its pace attack. Amid this, Ravi Shastri wants Jasprit Bumrah to give up on one format until 2027 World Cup.

Akash Deep opens up on Gautam Gambhir’s special treatment

Akash Deep has revealed that Gautam Gambhir has a special way of motivating players. He said that the Indian head coach looks for positives even in small things and has encouraged Akash to improve his batting along with his bowling.

Gautam Gambhir's regular praise has been so strong that the pacer sometimes starts questioning whether he is really as good as the coach says. Akash believes this kind of support can change a player's mindset.

Akash was quoted as saying by RevSportz, "GG Sir motivates a lot and is always positive. He looks at the big things in every little thing. He motivated me to focus on my batting as well. He praises me so much that sometimes even I doubt whether I am that good.

So that is a big thing for an athlete and has a lot of impact. When your coach gives you confidence, it certainly helps. Cricket is a game of confidence and belief. These things have an impact, and you can see it during the matches.”

Akash Deep set for India comeback after eight-month injury nightmare

Akash Deep's last Test appearance came during India's England tour in 2025. A lower back injury forced him to miss the action for nearly eight months, including the entire IPL 2026 season. Amid this, Mohammed Shami injury update: Bengal coach issues statement on Ranji Trophy absence.

The pacer has now returned to action after recovering from the injury. He featured in the Irani Cup 2026 before turning out for Bengal against Delhi in the first round of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy. Akash has already played 10 Tests for India and taken 28 wickets at an average of 35.78.

His best performance in an innings is six wickets for 99 runs, but his biggest highlight came during the England tour. The fast bowler produced a brilliant performance at Edgbaston, taking 10 wickets in the match. He picked up four wickets in the first innings and followed it up with six more in the second as India registered a massive 336-run victory to level the series.

Anything is possible: Akash Deep on India’s road to WTC Final

Akash Deep's comeback comes at a crucial time for India. They need to win six of their next seven tests to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship Final.

However, Akash believes that the best approach is to focus on the task in front of them, taking one match, one day and one session at a time.

He signed off by saying, “This is cricket. Anything is possible. I feel we must focus on the process, day by day, match by match, session by session. If we look at it one match at a time, it can be easy. Otherwise, it will be difficult.”