Fast bowler Akash Deep, who led India to a record 336-run victory against England at Edgbaston with a 10-wicket haul, grew up hoping to become famous by playing elite cricket.
CNN-News18 spoke with Akhand Jyoti Singh, the cricketer's sister, who is presently receiving cancer treatment, who said, “Akash Deep always wanted to earn name and fame for himself by playing good cricket. He was inspired by India’s triumph at the ICC World T20 in 2007."
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In the current Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Akash took over as pace leader in Jasprit Bumrah's absence to help India level the series at 1-1. He helped India to their first-ever Test victory at Edgbaston by taking four wickets in England's first innings and then bowled a career-best 6/99 in the second innings.
Akash Deep's father, a school teacher from Bihar, encouraged him to concentrate on his studies. He subsequently relocated to West Bengal's Durgapur town to further his cricketing goals.
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As Akash's desire gained momentum, tragedy struck when he lost his father to a stroke and his older brother to an illness within two months. Returning home to help support his family, the right-arm fast bowler had to give up his goal of playing cricket for some time.
After a while, Akash returned to Durgapur to resume his journey, his love for cricket still blazing strong.
“I hope he continues to improve (his performances) and keep doing well for the country," said Akash’s mother who encouraged him to pursue his dream of playing cricket at a professional level. “My blessings are with him. I am very happy today. I told him to keep performing and continue taking 10 wickets."
During the home series against England in February 2024, Akash made his India Test debut. He immediately made an impression with a stunning opening spell dismissing Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Zak Crawley. He was also included in India's team for the home Test series against Bangladesh later that year, which they won 2-0.
He was chosen by Indian selectors for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 and the current England Test series due to his outstanding performances and potential.
Akash was out for a considerable amount of time earlier this year due to a back problem. He returned for the Lucknow Super Giants in the middle of the 2025 Indian Premier League.
“He (Akash) did have a back injury, but it wasn’t that bad. He underwent an MRI and then started his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy. He has a lot of belief in himself, worked hard and was able to make a quick recovery," Akash’s brother-in-law Nitish told CNN-News18.
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