Early Life & Overcoming Adversity
Born on December 15, 1996, in Dehri, Bihar, Akash Deep’s rise to international cricket is a story of grit, perseverance, and triumph over tragedy. Hailing from Sasaram, a small town with limited cricketing infrastructure, Akash faced resistance from his father, who wanted him to focus on academics. However, his passion for cricket was unstoppable.
At 14, he moved to Durgapur, West Bengal, under the pretext of finding a job but secretly pursued cricket. His uncle supported his dream, helping him join a local academy. Just as his career began taking shape, tragedy struck—he lost his father and elder brother within two months. Devastated, Akash left cricket for three years before mustering the courage to return.
The Comeback: From Kolkata’s Club Cricket to Bengal Stardom
In 2016, Akash moved to Kolkata, joining United Club in the CAB Second Division League. His raw pace caught attention, but his fitness and consistency needed work. A meeting with Mohammed Shami proved transformative—Shami’s guidance helped him increase his speed from mid-130s to consistently bowling 140+ kmph.
Breakthrough in Domestic Cricket
- 2019: Made his Bengal debut across all formats.
- Ranji Trophy 2019-20: Took 6/60 vs Gujarat in just his second first-class match, finishing the season with 35 wickets at 18.02—key in Bengal’s run to the final.
- 2023 Ranji Trophy: Emerged as Bengal’s leading wicket-taker (41 scalps), including a 10-wicket haul vs Haryana and a match-winning 5-for in the semi-final.
IPL Career: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- 2021: Earned his maiden IPL contract with RCB.
- 2024: Played a crucial role with his pace and variations, though his economy was on the higher side.
- Best IPL Figures: 3/45, showcasing his ability to strike with the new ball.
Test Debut & International Success
Akash’s consistent domestic performances earned him a call-up for India A tours. His stellar show against England Lions (2024)—where he was the leading wicket-taker—paved the way for his Test debut.
Memorable Test Debut vs England (2024, Ranchi)
- Dream Start: Tore through England’s top order with a fiery opening spell.
- Key Wickets: Removed Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Zak Crawley in a single spell.
- Impact: Proved his mettle as a skilled swing bowler with sharp pace.
Playing Style & Strengths
- Bowling: Right-arm fast-medium, known for swing, seam movement, and deceptive bounce.
- Batting: Handy lower-order contributor, with a first-class fifty.
- Fitness: Improved drastically under Shami’s mentorship, now bowls long spells at 140+ kmph.
Career Stats (As of 2024)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Avg | Econ | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 7 | 15 | 3/83 | 35.20 | 3.59 | 58.7 |
| First-Class | 38 | 128 | 6/60 | 24.19 | 3.10 | 46.7 |
| List A | 28 | 42 | 3/6 | 24.50 | 4.82 | 30.4 |
| T20s | 42 | 49 | 4/35 | 23.46 | 7.71 | 18.2 |
Future Prospects
With pace, swing, and relentless work ethic, Akash Deep is a strong contender for India’s fast-bowling future. His ability to perform in crunch situations makes him a valuable asset in Tests and limited-overs cricket.
Key Achievements:
✅ Test Debut vs England (2024) with a match-winning spell
✅ Bengal’s leading wicket-taker in Ranji Trophy (2023)
✅ India A’s top performer vs England Lions
✅ IPL experience with RCB
Conclusion
From personal tragedies to Test cricket glory, Akash Deep’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience. His never-give-up attitude and skill with the ball make him one of India’s most inspiring cricketing stories. As he continues to shine, the future looks bright for this Bihar-born speedster.
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