India pacer Akash Deep lauded captain Rohit Sharma’s leadership skills and also recalled how he motivated him when he made his Test debut against England earlier this year.

Rohit Sharma has a reputation for forming bonds with the squad's young players and mentoring them in the early stages of his career.

The 37-year-old took over as captain of the Indian squad in 2022 and had no trouble making the transfer because he was also a member of the leadership group during Virat Kohli's tenure.

Akash Deep, who made his international debut earlier this year against England, lavished massive praise on Rohit and said he is fortunate to play under his captaincy, whom he rates as the best captain.

“I always say it is a matter of good fortune and luck to play under Rohit bhaiya. I consider myself lucky to play under him. He is a different kind of captain; I have never seen a captain like him,” Akash Deep told Times of India.

The pacer further stated that Rohit treats youngsters like brothers and keeps things easy to create a healthy atmosphere in the camp.

“He is the best captain I have played under. He is just a cool and calm person. He keeps things so simple and easy for every player, not just for me. You will be amazed at how a player of Rohit’s stature deals with a youngster like a friend and brother,” he shared.

Akash recounted a time in his debut match when he outfoxed England opener Zak Crawley with a beautiful delivery, only to discover that he had overstepped and was handed a no-ball. He added that skipper Rohit approached him immediately following the event and encouraged him to move on.

“Rohit bhaiya came forward and motivated me after that no ball. He said, ‘Aage badh, hota rehta hai.’ He asked me to leave that no ball behind and move forward. But as a bowler, you don’t forget such incidents,” Akash revealed.

Akash Deep managed to impress in India’s first Test win over Bangladesh in Chennai, where he picked two wickets in the first innings.