Bengal pacer Akash Deep has been handed a dream Test debut in the fourth match against England in Ranchi. Akash becomes the fourth Indian debutant of the series following the likes of Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel as he replaces Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested from the Ranchi Test, in the playing XI.
Born in the quaint town of Dehri, Bihar, Akash’s love affair with cricket began when he could barely reach the stumps. Yet, when his father wasn’t quite on board with this cricket dream, the youngster packed his bags in 2010 and set off for Bengal.
“This is the result of whatever hard work I have done so far,” Akash had told RevSportz just after his call-up to the Test squad. “The maximum one can do is work hard. Rest is luck or fate, whatever you call it. For a cricketer, 99 per cent is hard work. I have to continue to do whatever I have done so far and trust the process.”
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— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) February 23, 2024
“Process is something which leads you to success,” he added. “Process is something which everyone has to follow, not only a cricketer. Everyone has to follow a process in daily life and life in general. Success might come late, but the process should be followed.”
Akash gets the nod in the playing XI ahead of his Bengal bowling partner Mukesh Kumar, who was below par in Vizag. For the Cricket Association of Bengal, it is a proud moment to witness the names of both Mukesh and Akash in the Test squad.
“We (Mukesh and I) speak regularly,” said Akash. “What will we do if we play for India together? Pressure, plans, atmosphere, the level. We have been playing together for years now, we have bowled in tandem for years now.”
But for Akash, this is just a start of his journey as he sets his eyes to help India take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
“My dream will not be fulfilled only by wearing the Test whites,” said Akash. “It will be complete when I help India win matches. The day I start helping the team with winning contributions. My dream is to perform for India and help my country win.”
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