Akash Deep, the New Indian Fast Bowler Who Took a Three-Year Hiatus to Cope With Personal Tragedies

Playing cricket was synonymous with committing a crime for Akash Deep. Despite facing a lack of support from his father and the absence of proper infrastructure in his village of Sasaram, Bihar, Akash Deep still pursued his dream. Due to this dream that made him work hard with dedication and passion, he has now managed to secure a spot in the playing XI during the fourth Test between India and England.

 

Coming from a non-sporting background, no one in his family ever wanted Akash to play cricket. His father being a teacher, used to play cricket secretly. However, it was the 2007 World Cup IND vs PAK match that made him realize his passion for cricket. He moved to Durgapur, West Bengal, in 2010, where he stayed with his uncle.

 Unfortunately, tragedy struck when his father suffered a paralytic attack and passed away. Before his family could come to terms with his father's loss, Akash also lost his elder brother in an accident. Devastated by these twin tragedies, Akash returned to his village. He had to become the lone breadwinner for his family.

However, fate had other plans for him. Akash Deep eventually returned to Durgapur when his uncle's son established a connection with Kolkata. He joined the United Club in the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) first division league. Under the guidance of former Bengal pacer Ranadeb Bose at the Vision 2020 program, Akash honed his skills. Despite suffering a career-threatening back injury, he persevered with the help of former Bengal U-23 head coach Sourasish Lahiri, who oversaw his rehabilitation.

Akash Deep used to play tennis ball cricket while playing for the club in West Bengal's Durgapur. In an interview with PTI, Akash said that he used to play tennis ball matches around district and earned Rs 6000 per day which helped him cover his expenses.

Akash, who was self-taught till he made the Bengal U-23 cut, never had a fixed coach. "Saurasish Lahiri (current Bengal assistant coach), Arun Lal sir, Rano sir (Ranadeb Bose), all have helped me from time to time, and whatever I could learn, I have learnt," he said.

 

 

In 2019, Akash made his debut in the Ranji Trophy. His impressive performances caught the attention of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, and he was included in their squad for the second phase of the 2021 IPL held in the UAE. In a twist of fate, Akash Deep replaced the injured Shivam Mavi in India's squad for the 2022 Asian Games.

Akash Deep, a right-arm fast medium bowler, has picked up 103 wickets from 29 First-Class games and an impressive performance against the England Lions, where he took 11 wickets, including two four-wicket hauls, Akash Deep has proven his skills on the field.

Now, Akash Deep got his cap from the legendary Rahul Dravid who made his debut in IND vs ENG fourth Test. He Deep got a warm hug from captain Rohit Sharma as the other Indian cricketers patted him on his back. After getting the cap, he went straight to his family after the cap ceremony. He was seen touching his mother's feet to seek her blessings before hugging her as the other members of his family thanked the almighty in an emotional moment. Akash Deep then posed for photographs with his family.

By the time of publishing, he has already dismissed the England openers in the same over. Wishing good luck for the pacer!