On Day 2 of the fifth Ashes-style Test at The Oval, Indian pacer Akashdeep once again attracted intense scrutiny for a controversial send‑off gesture directed at England opener Ben Duckett. His actions stirred debate among former players and pundits, who questioned sportsmanship and decorum at cricket’s highest level.
The Incident: Déjà Vu at The Oval
Earlier in the match, Duckett had been tormenting Akashdeep with inventive shots—including reverse ramps and scoops—before the Indian pacer struck back by nailing a catch behind for Duckett’s dismissal (43 off 38). Immediately after, Akashdeep placed an arm around Duckett’s shoulder, walked a few steps in tandem, and exchanged a few words—before being pulled away by teammate KL Rahul.
Remarkably, this was not a one‑off event—Akashdeep “repeated his controversial gesture” on Day 3, prompting former cricketers like Michael Atherton and Dinesh Karthik to caution him: “Somebody tell him, don’t do it again.”
Reactions from Fans, Mentors, and Media
Mike Atherton and DK criticized the gesture as unnecessary. Atherton commented: “Stay out of the way… you don’t want to see those things escalate.” Dinesh Karthik agreed that while there seemed no ill intent, the timing and physical contact were inappropriate.
Marcus Trescothick, England’s assistant coach, described the send-off as “strange” and “unnecessary”, noting: “Your job is done at that point… I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bowler do that after getting someone out.” Trescothick even joked that in his era, players might have responded with an elbow.
Ricky Ponting added color by admitting that if he had been on the receiving end, he “would have probably punched him.” His blunt appraisal highlighted how rare and provocative such physical send‑offs are in modern cricket.
Match referees may even contemplate disciplinary measures. Atherton warned ICC officials that they’d be “forced to take action” to uphold cricket’s non-contact code.
What Led to It? Context and Build‑Up
Duckett had earlier taunted Akash by saying, “You can’t get me out.” After being dismissed, the physical gesture was seen as Akashdeep’s attempt to send a message. Some fans pointed out the risk inherent in such gestures: one Reddit user wrote, “Never make physical contact… It can get ugly depending on mood.” Another praised Rahul for intervening quickly.
Fans were divided: while some mocked it as “cringeworthy” or “foolish,” others defended Akashdeep’s emotional response under pressure.
Tensions Running High in Ashes‑style Series
The Oval Test has been marked by frequent flare-ups. Besides Akashdeep and Duckett, Prasidh Krishna and Joe Root traded words, and Sai Sudharsan confronted Duckett post-dismissal. India’s fielding lapses and verbal spats added fuel to a highly charged atmosphere.
Still, on Day 3, Akashdeep surprised with the bat, scoring a lively 66 alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in India’s second innings, hinting at his value beyond the controversy.
Akashdeep: On-Field Performances and Emerging Persona
Akashdeep’s Test debut earlier in 2024 was lauded—he played a crucial role in India’s win and impressed with pace and control. Since then, he’s earned multiple wickets and recognition, including a blistering 10‑wicket haul at Edgbaston. His enduring success, especially against Duckett whom he has dismissed multiple times, has made the send‑off feel like a response to mounting frustration.
Key Takeaways for Akashdeep gestures
| Theme | Insight |
|---|---|
| Sportsmanship Boundaries | Former players stress no physical contact post-dismissal. |
| Culture of Send-offs | Psychological tactic, but can backfire if perceived as disrespectful. |
| ICC Oversight | Officials may intervene to discourage repeat behaviour. |
| Player Awareness | Teammates like KL Rahul stepping in demonstrates self-regulation. |
| Emotional Toll of Series | Frustration, fatigue, and intensity can lead to lapses in judgement. |
Conclusion
The repeated gestures by akashdeep toward Ben Duckett have lit up discussions on modern cricket’s unwritten codes. While Duckett appeared unfazed—and even hugged Akashdeep on Day 3—the broader consensus is clear: physical send‑offs of this nature cross a line.
Experts like Atherton, DK, Trescothick, and Ponting urge restraint—and the growing consensus is that repetition of such behaviour may no longer be tolerated. As India and England battle it out on the field, discipline off it matters just as much—especially when careers and reputations hang in the balance.
With the series nearing its climax, all eyes now shift to whether Akashdeep will rein in his emotions—or risk further sanctions and scrutiny.
