'Akash Deep in, Harshit Rana out' - Sanjay Manjrekar's suggestion to India for Brisbane Test

Sanjay Manjrekar suggested Akash Deep's inclusion in the much-awaited third Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The former India cricketer said that the Bengal pacer could come into the playing XI in place of Harshit Rana, who impressed in his debut Test in Perth but fared ordinarily in the second Test in Adelaide.

India have been over-reliant on the in-form Jasprit Bumrah, the leading wicket-taker in the five-match series. Manjrekar feels that Akash Deep's return to the playing XI could provide much-needed support to the 31-year-old, especially if the surface at the iconic Gabba lives up to its potential.

India's bowling attack is facing the heat after Australia won the second Test comprehensively by 10 wickets. The Asian giants need to bounce back strongly in the third Test as they would want to revive their World Test Championship (WTC) campaign.

"Not at the expense of Harshit Rana. But, I think that might happen. Just trying to read the team management's mind, but if it's an all-out pace pitch, he (Akash Deep) can be the fourth seamer...So India have to think about that carefully," Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo.

"This bowling lineup with Bumrah, Siraj, Harshit Rana or Akash Deep is starting to look a little inadequate, if the pitch is going to be as flat as it was in Adelaide in Brisbane. Otherwise, it should be enough," he added.

Also Read: Bumrah has played only 34 percent of international matches in last three years: Sanjay Manjrekar

India relied on the pace trio of Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Harshit in the first two Tests Down Under. Nitish Reddy has done a decent job as the supporting seamer. Siraj and Harshit were unable to deliver a convincing performance in Adelaide, which is concerning for the Indian faithful. Some have voted for the return of Mohammed Shami, who is producing impressive performances in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024.

The third Test begins on Saturday, December 14. The tourists will want to take lessons from the defeat in Adelaide and produce a strong turnaround in the River City.