Akash Deep, born on December 15, 1996, in Dehri, Bihar, is an emerging right-arm fast-medium bowler who has carved a niche for himself in Indian domestic cricket. His journey from Bihar to becoming a promising talent in Indian cricket is both inspiring and impressive.
Early Life and Cricket Beginnings
Akash hails from Bihar, a state with limited cricketing infrastructure. His passion for cricket led him to shift to Bengal, where he found more opportunities to grow. His move to Bengal was necessitated by the restrictions imposed by the Bihar Cricket Association, and this decision became a turning point in his career. Akash made his debut for Bengal in the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and his impressive performances established him as a key player for Bengal across all formats.
Rising through the Ranks: Domestic Success
Akash’s consistent performances for Bengal, especially in the Ranji Trophy, have earned him a reputation as a reliable bowler. He was instrumental in helping Bengal reach the Ranji Trophy final on two occasions. In the 2022–23 season, Akash took center stage during the semi-final against Madhya Pradesh with a five-wicket haul, propelling his team to the final.
His ability to move the ball both ways and deliver consistently under pressure made him a standout bowler in Indian domestic cricket. His efforts in the Ranji Trophy caught the attention of IPL scouts, and soon enough, Akash Deep made his debut on a bigger stage.
Indian T20 League Debut and Breakthrough
Akash was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian T20 League. Though he did not get many playing opportunities initially, his debut in the 2022 season was memorable. He grabbed three wickets against Kolkata, showcasing his skillset. In the following season, he delivered a standout performance by dismissing Rohit Sharma in the opening match, cementing his place as a reliable bowler in the franchise.
Akash’s ability to take crucial wickets and perform in high-pressure situations earned him the trust of his team, and he has been retained by RCB for subsequent seasons.
India A and International Recognition
Akash Deep’s domestic performances led to his selection for the India A team for the red-ball series against the England Lions in early 2024. He capitalized on this opportunity, taking 13 wickets from 5 innings, including two crucial four-wicket hauls. His impressive performance fast-tracked him to the Indian Test squad for the marquee series against England.
On 23rd February 2024, Akash made his Test debut for India in the fourth Test at Ranchi. In a dream debut, he claimed the wickets of England’s top three batters in the first innings, playing a vital role in India’s victory. Despite being replaced by premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah for the final Test, Akash’s debut performance left a lasting impression.
Bowling Prowess and Style
Akash Deep is known for his ability to generate seam movement and extract bounce from the surface. His bowling statistics in various formats reflect his growing stature as a fast bowler. In Test cricket, he has taken 8 wickets from 5 innings, with a best of 3/83 against England. In the First-class circuit, he boasts 113 wickets with a best of 6/60 against Gujarat, and in List A cricket, he has taken 42 wickets with a best of 3/6 against Goa.
In the IPL, Akash has shown flashes of brilliance, with a best performance of 3/45 against Kolkata.
Personal Life and Future Prospects
At 27 years old, Akash Deep has a bright future ahead. He continues to be a key player for Bengal and is expected to have a bigger role in the 2024 Indian T20 League for RCB. With the experience of representing India and playing under the national spotlight, Akash has matured as a bowler and is expected to achieve more significant milestones in his career.
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Akash Deep’s journey from a small town in Bihar to representing India on the international stage is a testament to his talent, determination, and hard work. He remains one of the most promising fast bowlers to watch out for in Indian cricket.
