Edgbaston, England – After securing a sensational five-wicket haul that propelled India to a commanding victory in the second Test against England, Indian pacer Akash Deep was met with a light-hearted jest from Bengal teammate Shreevats Goswami. “Why didn’t you tell Siraj to bowl outside the off stump so that you could take five wickets?” Goswami playfully queried. Deep’s response was immediate and grounded: “No, no, whatever the team requires, we have to do that.” This exchange perfectly encapsulates the spirit of a cricketer whose journey from obscurity to the international stage is as inspiring as his performance.
The Dream Born in Bihar: Cricket for the ‘Rich’
Before his name resonated in cricket circles, particularly after his heroics at Edgbaston, Akash Deep’s story began in a small village in Bihar, one of India’s most economically challenged states. Growing up, Akash genuinely believed that cricket was a game reserved solely for the wealthy. It was his childhood friend, Vaibhav Kumar, himself a keen cricketer, who first recognized Deep’s raw talent and instilled in him the belief that he could pursue the sport.
“Cricket wasn’t very popular in Bihar back then. In our entire district, barely 20 to 25 people were playing leather-ball cricket,” Vaibhav recalls. “Akash mostly played with a tennis ball, but whenever we took him along for a leather-ball match, he would always help us win. But Akash thought that only the rich could play cricket.”
Vaibhav’s conviction in Deep’s abilities solidified after witnessing professional players in action at an academy in Jamshedpur. “When I saw them bowling, I was like ‘Akash is faster and better than them’,” he recounted. “I asked the coaches there to take a look at him, and they were impressed too. They said if not India, Akash could definitely play IPL as long as he works hard.”
Overcoming Personal Tragedies and A Forced Hiatus
Just as Deep seemed poised to commit fully to cricket, tragedy struck his family. In 2015, his father passed away, followed by his elder brother’s demise just six months later. These devastating losses removed the primary breadwinner from the family, forcing Akash to put his cricketing dreams on hold for nearly three years.
“He bought a dumper on partnership after saving some money from farming and used it to earn a living,” Vaibhav revealed, painting a picture of Deep’s struggle to support his family. “His mother also received half of her late husband’s salary, which helped the family get by.” Despite these immense hardships, Deep’s passion for cricket never truly faded.
The Bengal Breakthrough: A Turning Point
Determined to chase his dream, Deep decided to relocate to Bengal. This move, however, was fraught with challenges. “My father was posted in Bengal, and we decided to rent a flat there. I went to different clubs and asked them to consider Akash, but they would make fun of me,” Vaibhav shared. Undeterred, he persisted, repeatedly requesting a coach to give Akash a single look. Upon seeing him bowl, they were convinced.
That moment proved to be the turning point. Deep soon began making waves in Bengal’s domestic circuit, quickly catching the eye of selectors and coaches. Former India cricketer Arun Lal, then Bengal’s coach, was among those who recognized his exceptional talent. “He was on the fringes. But it was pretty evident that he was an exceptional talent. He had a lot of strength, good pace, and a natural ability to swing the ball. So, we brought him into the team and he did exceedingly well,” Lal said, adding with a touch of disappointment, “He was so good that I am rather disappointed that it has taken him so long to surface on the international stage.”
Lal also emphasized the crucial work done on Deep’s mindset. “He underestimated himself. So the idea was to work on his temperament rather than technique and try to get him to believe in himself,” Arun added, highlighting the psychological aspect of his development.
Test Debut, More Hardship, and Dedication
Deep’s consistent domestic performances eventually earned him a spot in the IPL, and soon after, a call-up to India’s Test squad. He made his international debut in early 2024 against England, impressing by picking up three wickets.
However, more hardship was around the corner. “His sister was diagnosed with cancer. He went through a lot of stress and would even turn his phone off. He was feeling mentally down since he had already lost his father and brother. But thankfully, she is fine now,” Vaibhav revealed. Deep later dedicated his five-wicket haul at Edgbaston to his sister, expressing his deep affection: “Every time I picked up the ball, her thoughts and picture crossed my mind. This performance is dedicated to her. I want to tell her, ‘Sis, we are all with you.'”
After his stellar showing at Edgbaston, Deep faced a tougher time at Lord’s and subsequently missed the Old Trafford Test due to injury. His absence was keenly felt, as his replacement, Anshul Kamboj, struggled to adapt to English conditions. As India looks ahead, Akash Deep’s return to full fitness and form is eagerly anticipated, a testament to a journey defined by perseverance against all odds.
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