Akash Deep returned with his best ever bowling numbers to lead India to a magnificent victory against England in the second game of the five-match series. On Sunday, July 6, the second Test at Edgbaston came to an end. He dedicated his 10-wicket haul to his cancer-stricken older sister.
Experienced player Jasprit Bumrah, who skipped the game to minimize his workload, was replaced by the 28-year-old. Akash finished with figures of 4/88 in the first innings, showing a hint of his talent level.
In the second innings, Akash Deep was India’s best hope, opening the floodgates for the visitors with an excellent usage of the fresh red cherry. As the home team was bundled out for 271, he ultimately finished with 6/99. India triumphed by 336 runs as a result, their largest Test victory (by runs) on foreign soil to date.
During a post-match show on Sony Sports Network, Akash confessed that his sister was fighting cancer during the past two months. He continued that he desired to make her smile through his performance. He said:
“My older sister is suffering from cancer for the last two months. Now she is stable. She will be very happiest after all that she has gone through mentally and I dedicate this match to her. I want to see a smile on her face.”
“This performance is for you. Whenever I picked the ball, only thoughts of my sister crossed my mind. I am with you. I want to see happiness on your face we are all together with you.”
Family is everything!
Akash Deep dedicates this win to his sister battling cancer. 🙌#SonySportsNetwork #GroundTumharaJeetHamari #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings pic.twitter.com/teMNeuYLMP
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 6, 2025Akash Deep’s Memorable Test Debut Came Against England Last Year
Akash Deep made his Test debut in February 2024, during the home series against England in Ranchi. Ben Duckett (11) gave the Indian squad their first breakthrough thanks to the gifted bowler.
WWW 🤝 Akash Deep!
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/FUbQ3Mhpq9#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/YANSwuNsG0
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 23, 2024Akash soon carried on his momentum, sending Zak Crawley (42) and Ollie Pope (0) back in the hut as well. In the end, India swept out England for 353 after he took 3/83. The team captained by Rohit Sharma ultimately prevailed by five wickets.
Akash Deep has picked 25 wickets in eight Tests at an average of 28.60 to date. It will be fun when we see that whether he provides important contribution in seeking India clinch their first-ever series win in England since 2007.
