"Not always you will win.." Akash Deep comments on send-off to Ben Duckett during ENG vs IND 5th Test

One of the most interesting events from the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 took place at Kennington Oval between England and India when Akash Deep, after dismissing Ben Duckett, walked up to the batter and put his arm around the opener’s shoulder. The England batter handled the situation pretty well and went back to the dressing room calmly.

Many former players, including Michael Atherton and the former Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri, reckoned that these acts should be avoided. A week after the conclusion of the contest, the Bengal pacer expressed the words Akash Deep exchanged with Duckett on that morning session of the second day.

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“I have a good record against Duckett and have got him out a few times. I have always fancied my chances against the left-handers, and he is no different. On that day, he was trying to throw me off my line and length and had played several unconventional shots. That’s when he said to me that it was his day and I would not be able to get him out.” Akash said on Revsportz.

Watch: Akash Deep reveals reason behind send-off to Ben Duckett during ENG vs IND 5th Test

The wicket, which broke the opening partnership of the home side, worked for the Blue Brigade as the Ollie Pope-led side collapsed to 247 after finding themselves at a dominating position.

“The truth is, if a batter moves around the pitch and plays these shots, your line and length do get impacted, for you don’t know what he will do next. That’s what was happening. Also, England were off to a quick start, and we needed a wicket. We were defending a modest score, and wickets were critical.” The Bihar-born shed light during the same interaction. 

“When I got him out (smiles), I said to him: ‘You miss, I hit. Not always will you win. This time, I win. It was a continuation of what he was saying to me, and it was all done in good spirit,” Akash Deep concluded.