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Akash Deep made his Test debut in the India vs England fourth match at the JSCA Stadium, Ranchi. India head coach Rahul Dravid presented Akash with his Test cap just before Friday’s toss. The right-arm pacer replaced Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested from this match due to workload management. Akash Deep became India’s 313th cricketer.
After receiving his cap from the legendary Rahul Dravid, Akash Deep received a warm hug from captain Rohit Sharma while the other Indian cricketers patted him on the back. Just like in the case of Sarfaraz Khan in the previous test, Akash Deep went directly to his family after the cap ceremony.
He was seen touching his mother’s feet to seek her blessings before hugging her while the other members of his family thanked the almighty in an emotional moment. Akash Deep then posed for photographs with his family.
Scenes after Akash Deep got his India cap ahead of the IND vs ENG 4th Test
Akash was the fourth Indian cricketer to get his Test cap in this series. Rajat Patidar was the first to debut in the Vizag Test and then Sarfaraz Khan and wicketkeeper Dhurv Jurel got their caps in the previous Test in Rajkot.
Akash pipped his Bengal teammate Mukesh Kumar for a place in India’s XI. The 27-year-old was added to the Indian squad for the last two Tests as the management had more or less decided to give Bumrah a break from the Ranchi encounter. Bumrah left jaws dropping in the first three Tests of this series.
Who is Deep Akash?
Akash Deep was very impressive in the three-match series between India A and England Lions. The right-arm pacer picked up 12 wickets in the three unofficial Tests, including two four-wicket hauls. Graeme Swann described him as someone “who can hit the bat strongly and the top of the stump with regularity”. Swann was part of the support staff for the England Lions team and is now a broadcaster during the Test series.
Akash Deep has a first class average of 23.58. In the 30 matches that he has played, the right-arm pacer who was born in Dehri in Bihar, has claimed 103 wickets. He has also represented Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL.
He bowled at full speed alongside Bengal teammate Mukesh Kumar in the nets on Wednesday, had a long batting session on the eve of the Test, and only five other Indians turned up to practice. “Anyone who comes into the Indian team has to be a special cricketer,” the home team’s batting coach Vikram Rathour said of Akash Deep.
“He looks like a really good bowler who has done very well in domestic cricket. He has decent pace, bowls a good line and looks very good.”