Meet Akash Deep: The inspirational story of Team India bowler from Bihar who had to play cricket secretly

Seamer Akash Deep made his test debut for India in the ongoing series against England, becoming the fourth player to do so in the series. With India leading 2-1, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the fourth test in Ranchi, paving the way for Akash’s inclusion alongside Mohammed Siraj. This follows the earlier test debuts of batters Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan, and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Akash immediately made an impact by claiming the first three wickets of the England top order – Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope.

Despite his recent success, Akash’s journey to cricketing prominence has been far from conventional. Hailing from Sasaram in Bihar with a non-sporting background, Akash faced familial opposition to his cricketing aspirations. Reflecting on his upbringing, Akash recalled, “My father didn’t like me playing cricket…playing cricket was a crime…but I don’t blame them…cricket didn’t offer a bright future from where I came.” Instead, his father encouraged him to pursue government exams as a more stable career path.

“In Bihar…playing cricket was a crime,” Akash said, remembering how his peers were discouraged from associating with him due to his passion for the sport. Lot of parents would warn their children that don’t mingle with Akash as he only plays cricket and your studies would go for toss, he said. “I used to play cricket secretly.”

Akash Deep had to leave cricket for 3 years

Despite the challenges, Akash remained steadfast in his love for cricket, even as tragedy struck his family. After losing both his father and elder brother within six months, Akash returned to cricket with renewed determination, driven by a sense of responsibility.

After relocating to Durgapur, Bengal, Akash embarked on his cricketing journey, transitioning from a batter to a fast bowler. Despite setbacks, including a career-threatening back injury, Akash persevered. Under the guidance of coaches like Ranadeb Bose and Sourasish Lahiri, Akash honed his skills and eventually made his Ranji Trophy debut in 2019. His talent caught the eye of selectors, leading to his inclusion in the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad for the 2021 IPL and subsequently in India’s squad for the 2022 Asian Games.

Described as a versatile bowler with an impressive track record, Akash’s rise from adversity serves as a testament to his resilience and determination. With 103 wickets from 29 First-Class games and notable performances against England Lions, Akash Deep’s journey embodies the triumph of passion and perseverance in the face of adversity.

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