A moment that might never have come to light
If India had not won the Test match at Edgbaston, or the victory had been due to someone else, then Akash Deep’s name would not have come up in any interview. Neither would his eyes have been moist in celebration of that victory, nor would the world have known what circumstances this player has gone through to reach here. Life kept testing him again and again, and every time he kept fighting silently – without any complaint.
A personal struggle hidden behind the victory
After winning the match, when there was an atmosphere of celebration all around, Akash Deep said to Chateshwar Pujara – “I dedicate this victory to my sister.” Two months ago his sister was diagnosed with cancer. This also moved Pujara and he also got emotional since he also lost his mother to cancer at a tender age. This was not just a conversation between one player and another, it was a shared moment of deep wounds of two lives.
Background of pain – Tragic end of father and brother
About eight years ago, Akash Deep lost his father after a stroke. Shortly after, his younger brother caught a simple cold, but due to not getting timely and proper treatment in a small town, he died on the way to Banaras. These incidents could break any person, but Akash Deep made them bricks of his courage.
From an ordinary family to an extraordinary player
Akash Deep was born in an ordinary family in a small town. There was not even a cricket association in that state. He moved ahead with ordinary stature, ordinary resources, and extraordinary struggle. His father considered cricket a waste of time, but Akash left home on the pretext of looking for a job and started playing club cricket. Whatever little he earned, he would send it home. This was not just a passion for cricket, but also an example of responsibility.
Bumrah’s place, and a wall of self-doubt
When he was called up to Team India in place of Jasprit Bumrah, many thought it was ‘Bumrah or nothing’. But nothing in life was ever easy for Akash Deep. Bowling on a flat pitch without Bumrah was a challenge, but how could those challenges stop him from winning the biggest battle of his life?
A lesson from Shami that changed his career
Akash Deep’s performance in the Bengal team was initially unstable. That’s when he met Mohammed Shami. Shami told him that fitness and discipline are the most important if you want to bowl fast for a long time. This one advice changed Akash’s direction. He worked on both his technique and body – and the result is before everyone today.
A new fast bowling style in Shami’s shadow
Technically, Akash Deep’s action is very similar to Mohammed Shami. His high release point, fast arm speed and ability to extract seam movement make him different. Even though his release is not as clean as Shami’s, forcing the batsman to “play in a hurry” – this has become his identity.
Bowls like a master even on a flat pitch
In this Test, he not only surprised the English batsmen, but also taught them how to bowl on a flat pitch. He repeatedly targeted the channel near the off stump by going outside the crease. Whenever he had to seam the ball outside, he would go wider and bowl a very full ball. This plan got him the wickets of batsmen like Ollie Pope and Joe Root.
Combination of patience with technique
Akash Deep’s way of bowling is not only physical but also mentally mature. He knows that he will not get seam movement every time, but he tries it again and again. His action, his plans, and his mental balance – all three together make him a mature bowler.
A victory, a tribute, and an inspiration
Akash Deep’s bowling in the Edgbaston Test was not just a performance, but a testimony to his struggle in life. When he trapped Brooke LBW, when he broke down in tears, when he dedicated the victory to his sister – all these together tell us that real victory is not just on the scoreboard, it is in the heart.
Conclusion:
Akash Deep’s story is not just about cricket, it is about life. Pain, loss, struggle, and then glory – these are not just words, but an inspiration for every young Indian who comes from small towns with big dreams. He taught us that if you have passion in your heart and courage, no flat pitch or situation can stop you.
October 9, 2025