IND vs ENG: Who is Akashdeep? An Indian pacer who made his debut in the fourth Test

The 4th Test between India and England marked a pivotal moment in the career of pacer Akash Deep as he finally made his eagerly anticipated debut in Ranchi. With his mother in attendance to witness his maiden appearance in the Indian jersey, Akash Deep received his debut Test cap from none other than the head coach Rahul Dravid. It was his impressive performances for India A that caught the selectors’ attention and earned him a call-up to the senior national team. However, Akash Deep’s journey to this point has been anything but smooth, as he had to overcome significant challenges, including temporarily leaving cricket to make ends meet.

Early life and struggles in cricket

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Originating from Sasaram in Bihar, Akash Deep harbored a deep passion for cricket from a young age, despite facing discouragement from his father. Undeterred by the lack of support, Akash Deep ventured to Durgapur under the guise of seeking employment, eventually receiving assistance from one of his uncles to pursue his cricketing dreams.

After joining a local academy, Akash Deep quickly caught the attention of many with his impressive pace. However, just as he was poised to translate his talent into significant achievements, tragedy struck when his father suffered a stroke and passed away. Merely two months later, Akash was further devastated by the loss of his older brother.

The crisis in Akash’s family plunged them into financial turmoil, leaving them with no means to sustain themselves. In order to support his mother during this difficult period, Akash had to put his cricketing aspirations on hold for three years and find employment to make ends meet. Despite his efforts to alter the trajectory of his life, his passion for cricket remained deeply ingrained, pulling him back to the game before long.

Returning to Durgapur initially, Akash later relocated to Kolkata, where he initially resided in a modest rented room with his cousin.

Akashdeep received his Test Cap from head coach Rahul Dravid:

Akashdeep’s selection in U-23 team and IPL contract with RCB

Following his stint with the Bengal Under-23 team, Akash Deep marked his debut in 2019. Subsequently, he attracted the attention of the Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, securing a contract ahead of the IPL 2022 season.

On February 23, 2024, Akash Deep joined the illustrious ranks of Test cricketers, becoming the 313th player to represent India in the longest format of the game.