Akash Deep‘s Journey: Dream Test Debut and India’s Squad Highlights in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Akash Deep: The Inspirational Path to a Dream Test Appearance
Akash Deep’s tale serves as an example of tenacity and fortitude. His story, which began with modest beginnings in Sasaram, Bihar, and ended with Rahul Dravid giving him his Test cap, is a testament to years of perseverance and diligence. Akash instantly impacted his debut, destroying the opposition’s top order in the first hour of play.
Early Challenges and Goals for Cricket
Akash was born in Sasaram, Bihar, but his father disapproved of him and dissuaded him from playing cricket. Unfazed, he relocated to Durgapur, West Bengal, in 2010 under the guise of looking for work. His uncle helped him enroll at a nearby cricket academy, where his quick bowling ability blossomed.
Tragic events, however, forced him to give up cricket for three years after he lost both his father and older brother in the space of two months.
A Fresh Start in Kolkata
Akash came to Kolkata and joined the United Club in the CAB Second Division League because he was determined not to give up. His dedication paid off as he improved his speed and stamina while working out under Mohammed Shami’s guidance.
After being chosen for Bengal’s Under-23 team in 2019, Akash earned his senior debut in all three forms, marking his breakthrough. He took six wickets against Gujarat to start his first-class career on a positive note. He played a crucial part in Bengal’s journey to the final of the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy, taking 35 wickets at an average of 18.02.
IPL and Ongoing Achievement
Due to his reliable white-ball performances, Akash was selected to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2021 Indian Premier League. His 10-wicket haul against Haryana and game-winning five-for in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Madhya Pradesh in 2023 heralded a sea change. He established himself as a rising star with his season-high 41 wickets, which was the most for Bengal.
Ascending the Hierarchy
With impressive performances in the Duleep Trophy and an A tour to South Africa, Akash kept rising. He led India’s wicket totals against the England Lions at the beginning of 2024. His international career got off to a fantastic start when he delivered a blazing opening stint in his Test debut against England in Ranchi, which was made possible by these accomplishments.
Numerous aspiring cricket players around the country have been inspired by Akash Deep’s path from hardship to achievement, which is a testament to the strength of grit and dedication.
Ravindra Jadeja and Akash Deep come in as India wins the toss and opts to bowl first against Australia in the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at the Gabba on Saturday under cloudy conditions. The five-match series is now tied 1-1.
This is the first occasion in the series that India has chosen to bowl first after winning the toss. Jadeja and Akash will play their first games of the series, replacing Ravichandran Ashwin and Harshit Rana in the starting lineup.
“A little overcast. There is some grass, and it appears to be soft, so make the most of the situation. We want to make the most of the conditions and see what we can do with the ball up front. There will be a lot of cricket to play, and both teams have played well in their last two games. “This is a big game for us, and we will do our best to meet expectations.”
“We’ll play decent cricket; we recognize we need to seize some opportunities; we didn’t do so in the last game, which is why we lost. It’s bustling; the lads are looking forward to the match, and we’re excited to come out here and compete,” said India captain Rohit Sharma, who will bat at number six.
Australia made only one change: Josh Hazlewood returned to the squad after missing the Adelaide Test due to a side injury, replacing Scott Boland. “We would have bowled first, too. So far, the series has been excellent. Really thrilled with last week; almost everyone got into the series, and it had a fantastic buildup. Preparations have been fairly decent. “The early finish in Adelaide allowed us to arrive here early and settle in,” said Australia skipper Pat Cummins.
India’s playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep.
Australia’s squad consists of Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.