Akash Deep, the pacer for Team India, was an unanticipated hero in the visitors’ historic victory over England at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Both fans and commentators harshly condemned the decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the second Test after India lost the first one by five wickets at Headingley in Leeds.
It is impossible to understand the level of pressure that Akash Deep, his successor in the starting lineup, would have been under. The Bengal pacer, however, took most of his fantastic opportunity and bowled India to an unforgettable victory rather than giving in to the pressure. After taking four wickets in the first innings while backing Mohammed Siraj, he took six wickets in the second innings.
Speaking to Cheteshwar Pujara after completing an incredible 10-wicket haul, Akash Deep disclosed that his sister has cancer and that his effort in the match was a tribute to her. Personal catastrophes are nothing new to the right-arm pacer. He came from a very lowly background and within a few months, he lost both his father and his older brother.
Speaking to Sportskeeda after receiving his first Test call-up in February 2024, an emotional Akash Deep revealed his troubles, saying:
“Where I come from, playing cricket was considered crime. But today, because of me, if the mentality of the people there changes and they start supporting their kids, that will be my biggest achievement. We all have some talent or the other, but we are sometimes forced to study because of family pressure and the talent gets buried. So I hope those youngsters can now properly express their desire and the parents support them.”
The 28-year-old further said that he does not get time to rush home in his hometown Sasaram in Bihar much because of his cricket duties but tries to get around with children in the locality whenever possible. The Indian pacer further said:
“It’s very difficult to find time, these days. But whenever I have a window, I go there and try to talk to the kids as much as possible. If I cannot coach them, I try to inspire them through words. And going forward as well, I’ll try to do whatever I can for Bihar cricket.”
At Edgbaston, replacing Bumrah in the playing XI, Akash Deep took 4-88 in the first innings and 6-99 in the second essay.
Akash Deep’s Impressive Test Stats
Akash Deep played in his ninth Test match at Edgbaston. at February 2024, he made his debut at Ranchi against England, taking 3-83 in the opening innings. At an average of 28.60, the right-arm bowler has already claimed 25 wickets.
With the help of six five-fers and two 10-wicket match hauls, the medium pacer has taken 138 wickets at an average of 23.79 in 39 appearances during his first-class career.
