Who is Akash Deep? Know all about his inspiring journey from adversity to test cricket stardom

PTC News Desk: Akash Deep's story is a testament to perseverance and hard work, culminating in a dream Test debut where he was presented with his cap by none other than Rahul Dravid. In just the first hour of his debut match, he showcased his talent by dismantling the opposition's top order, marking a remarkable entry into the world of Test cricket.

Early Life and Challenges

Born in Sasaram, Bihar, Akash's initial foray into cricket faced opposition from his father, who discouraged him from pursuing the sport. Despite this, in 2010, he left home under the pretense of seeking employment and made his way to Durgapur, West Bengal.

There, he found support from his uncle, who encouraged him to join a local cricket academy. His journey in cricket began to gain momentum as he started to make a name for himself with his impressive pace.

However, Akash’s path was marred by personal tragedies. Within a span of just two months, he faced the devastating loss of both his father and older brother. The grief was overwhelming, and it led him to step away from cricket for three years, a significant setback in his budding career.

Resilience and comeback

Despite these challenges, Akash’s passion for the game never waned. He relocated to Kolkata and began playing for the United Club in the Cricket Association of Bengal's Second Division League. It was during this time that he crossed paths with renowned cricketer Mohammed Shami, who played a pivotal role in helping Akash enhance his fitness. This commitment to conditioning saw Akash’s bowling speed increase from the mid-130s to delivering long spells at a significantly higher pace.

In 2019, Akash’s dedication bore fruit as he earned a spot in the Bengal Under-23 team. That same year, he made his senior debut for Bengal across all three formats. In just his second first-class match, he astounded everyone by taking six wickets against Gujarat. Over the season, he secured an impressive 35 wickets at an average of 18.02, contributing significantly to Bengal's run to the Ranji Trophy final.

Rise to Prominence

Continuing to excel, Akash also made his mark in limited-overs cricket, which led to him securing his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2021. The year 2023 became a pivotal moment in his career.

He began the year with a remarkable 10-wicket haul against Haryana in a Ranji match and followed it up with a five-wicket performance in the semi-final against Madhya Pradesh, earning him the Player of the Match award. Although Bengal finished as runners-up in the final, Akash emerged as the team’s leading wicket-taker with a total of 41 wickets throughout the tournament.

International Recognition and Test Debut

His consistent performances caught the attention of selectors, leading to his participation in the Duleep Trophy. Akash’s career continued to ascend as he flew to South Africa for an A tour, where he excelled as India A's top wicket-taker in early 2024 against the England Lions. This success ultimately culminated in a memorable Test debut against England in Ranchi, where he made an explosive entrance with a fiery opening spell.

Akash Deep's journey from a young boy in Bihar to a promising Test cricketer serves as an inspiring narrative of resilience, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. His story resonates as a powerful reminder that with hard work and determination, overcoming obstacles is possible, leading to extraordinary achievements on the global stage.

Also Read: Badlapur assault case: Bombay high court agrees to urgent hearing for plea filed by accused's father