On Saturday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)announced India¡¯s squad for the following three Tests against England, garnering the attention of cricket enthusiasts nationwide.?One of the notable inclusions was Bengal's Akash Deep, marking a significant milestone in his cricketing career.?
From Dehri in Bihar's Rohtas district, Akash Deep's journey to the national spotlight has been remarkable.?
Born on December 15, 1996, his passion for cricket found fertile ground when he moved to Bengal in 2010.?Despite facing various challenges, his uncle recognised and nurtured his talent and supported him wholeheartedly.
At 27, Akash Deep's selection for the Test squad underscores his rapid rise through the ranks of domestic cricket.?
Akash has consistently impressed with his pace and skill, having made his mark for Bengal in all three formats since his senior debut in 2019.?
His contributions were crucial in Bengal reaching the Ranji Trophy finals in 2020 and 2023, although they were runners-up both times.
Akash's prowess with the ball has been evident. He has 103 First-Class wickets at an impressive average of 23.18.?
His standout performance of 6/60 against Gujarat in the 2019-20 season highlights his ability to deliver under pressure.?
Furthermore, he has excelled in List A cricket, taking 42 wickets in 28 matches at an average of 24.50.
While his success in domestic cricket laid the foundation for his ascent, Akash's foray into the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Royal Challengers Bangalore further showcased his potential on a grand stage.?
Despite limited opportunities, his talent caught the attention of experienced campaigners like Faf du Plessis, who praised his bowling skills and raw pace.¡°DK (Karthik) was really good but I was impressed the most with Akash Deep. He was excellent with the new ball, bowled very good hard lengths,¡± he said in a video shared by RCB on Twitter.
Besides his achievements at the domestic level and IPL, Akash's selection in the Indian limited-overs teams for tournaments such as the T20Is in the Asian Games and the ODI series in South Africa is a testament to his adaptability and levelheadedness.
His recent outstanding performance for India A against the England Lions, where he took 13 wickets in three matches, further strengthened his case for higher honours.
With a spirit fueled by perseverance and determination, Akash Deep's journey from humble beginnings in Bihar to a pivotal role in Bengal's cricketing landscape symbolises the unwavering pursuit of excellence as he gears up to represent India in the prestigious Test series against England.??
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