Meet the Indian pacer who took a hiatus from cricket for three years to sustain himself.
Akash Deep made his Test debut against England in Ranchi, becoming the 313th player to represent India in Test cricket.
The 4th Test between India and England marked a significant turning point for pacer Akash Deep, as he finally made his long-awaited debut in Ranchi. With his mother witnessing his India jersey debut firsthand, Akash Deep received his Test cap from none other than the head coach Rahul Dravid. His consistent performances for India A paved the way for his elevation to the senior national team. However, Akash Deep’s journey hasn’t been without challenges, having to temporarily leave cricket a few years ago to support himself financially.
Originally hailing from Sasaram in Bihar, Akash Deep harbored a profound passion for cricket from an early age, despite facing discouragement from his father. Determined to pursue his dream, Akash left for Durgapur under the pretext of finding employment, eventually receiving support from one of his uncles.
Joining a local academy, Akash showcased his exceptional pace, earning admiration from many. However, tragedy struck when his father suffered a stroke and passed away, followed by the untimely death of his older brother just two months later. This devastating loss plunged Akash’s family into a financial crisis, compelling him to put his cricket aspirations on hold for three years to support his mother.
Despite the challenges, Akash couldn’t stray far from his love for cricket. After returning to Durgapur and later relocating to Kolkata, he initially lived in a modest rented room with his cousin. Joining the Bengal Under-23 team in 2019 marked his comeback to competitive cricket. Subsequently, Akash caught the attention of the Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, securing a contract ahead of the IPL 2022 season.
Finally, on February 23, 2024, Akash Deep fulfilled his dream by becoming the 313th player to represent India in Test cricket.
