India fast bowler Akash Deep dedicated his outstanding performance of taking three wickets on his Test debut to his late father, who passed away in 2015. He expressed satisfaction in fulfilling his father’s desire to see him succeed in life. Akash Deep’s father, Ramji Singh, died due to paralysis, and shortly after, his elder brother also passed away. Reflecting on these tragedies, Akash Deep decided to pursue cricket as a means of honoring his family and overcoming his grief.
He spoke to reporters after the first day of the fourth Test against England, expressing his determination to succeed despite the challenges he faced. With an impressive opening spell, Akash Deep played a crucial role in dismissing England’s top three batsmen, contributing to the team’s success as they went on to take half of England’s side for 112 runs by lunch on Friday.
WWW 🤝 Akash Deep!
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— BCCI (@BCCI) February 23, 2024
Akash’s Tribute To Late Father
“I dedicate this to my father because it was his dream that his son does something in life. I couldn’t do anything in his life (when he was alive), so this performance is for my father. Every cricketer has one dream, to play for India in Tests. That was also my dream,” said Akash who belongs to Baddi village in Rohtas district of Bihar, about 300km from the 4th Test venue Ranchi.
“We didn’t know about cricket while growing up; cricket was not there where I come from. I played tennis cricket after 2007 and got to know about cricket after 2016. Since then, I have been following (Mohammed) Shami bhai and (South Africa’s Kagiso) Rabada. I got my Test cap at a place which is near to my village (in Bihar) as well as Bengal from where I play. Bengal supported me well. In my journey, my family played a big role. My family is also here. No doubt, it’s an emotional feeling but there was just one thing going on in my mind — how to contribute to the team.” he added.
Akash’s Chat With Dravid
“He (Dravid) heard my story and I was very emotional (at the moment). I was just told to keep it simple, do whatever I have been doing (so far). It was a big help as, at this level, you sometimes get confused.” Akash said on getting his maiden Test cap from Rahul Dravid.
Akash Deep also said that ace India pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the fourth Test, too gave him advice on how to bowl in international cricket. “Bumrah bhai told me that at the international level, one should bowl slightly back-of-a-length (deliveries) because batters tend to chase the ball. So, that was at the back of my mind and the plan was to bowl the right line and length,” Akash Deep told the host broadcasters earlier on Friday.
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