Who is Akash Deep? All About His Career in Cricket
Akash Deep has delivered a seismic performance in Test cricket that marks a turning point in his international career. Coming off humble roots in Bihar, he stunned England at Edgbaston in July 2025 with a breathtaking ten-wicket match haul that helped India clinch their first-ever Test victory at the ground. That dazzling success encapsulates perseverance, talent, and unyielding resolve, a story that deserves detailed attention.
Early Life and Journey: From Bihar Beginnings to National Breakthrough
Akash Deep was born on December 15, 1996, in Dehri, a small town in the Indian state of Bihar. He grew up in humble surroundings, where playing cricket wasn’t always easy or accessible. His family faced tragedies, losing his father and elder brother, and his sister battled stage-three colon cancer while he was emerging as a cricketer.
When Bihar’s cricket board was banned, he shifted to Bengal to pursue his dreams. He supported his family by playing tennis-ball matches, earning daily wages while honing his skills in club cricket in Kolkata. A mentor in Bengal’s Arun Lal and encouragement from Virat Kohli inspired him to aim for IPL and Test selection.
Test Debut and Early International Journey
Akash Deep earned his first Test cap in February 2024, stepping onto the international stage in Ranchi during India’s home series against England. He wasted no time making his presence felt, striking early to dismiss big names like Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope from England’s top order. By mid-2025, he had played eight Test matches and taken 25 wickets at an average of about 28.60, including one five-wicket haul and one ten-wicket match haul.
The Edgbaston Masterclass: A Historic Performance
Dominating in the First Innings
With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, India needed someone to step up in the second Test at Edgbaston—and Akash Deep delivered, finishing with figures of 4 for 88 in the first innings. He struck key wickets including Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook, removing four of England’s top five batters, an achievement unmatched by any bowler in nearly five decades.
Sealed Victory with a Six-Wicket Spell
On the final day, chasing a mammoth target, Akash ripped through the England tail. His second-innings figures of 6 for 99 sealed a 336-run victory. He finished the match with 10 wickets for 187 runs. That performance not only made him the second Indian pacer ever to take a ten-fer in England (after Chetan Sharma)but also the best Indian bowling figures in England on record.
India’s win at Edgbaston was their first there since 1967, and Akash Deep’s spell provided the decisive blow in leveling the five-Test series at 1-1.
Praise from Mentors
Arun Lal, who mentored Deep in Bengal, described his performances as “absolutely special”, praising his temperament, bowling intelligence, and newfound self-confidence. Lal noted Akash can hit 145 km/h and break key partnerships thanks to his evolving strategy on the field.
Personal Motivation: Playing for Family
Behind Akash’s extraordinary spell lay personal adversity. His sister, Akhand Jyoti, is currently facing a difficult battle against cancer. Diagnosed during IPL2025, she was undergoing treatment in Lucknow while Akash was in England. Despite the emotional strain, he wrote his Test success as a dedication to her. After the game, he said: “Behen, yeh tumhare liye hai”. Each delivery at Edgabaston carried the weight of love, resilience, and hope.
How Akash Deep Changed the Edgbaston Test
- Key Breakthroughs: Crucial early strikes against England’s top-order in the first innings shifted the momentum firmly India’s way.
- Match-winning spell: His second-innings 6/99 punctured England’s chase and destroyed their fight
- Record-setting impact: His haul was historic for India in England, the second Indian ever to take 10 wickets, best figures on English soil.
- Emotional resiliency: Performing while managing deep personal grief and concern for his sister.
- Career-defining moment: Moving from fringe Test status to central pace option in one stunning performance.
Consistency, Character, and Future Potential
Though relatively new to Test cricket, just eight matches by mid-July 2025, Akash Deep has already captured 25 wickets, including the landmark ten-wicket match haul and a five-wicket innings. His bowling average of 28.60 is solid by early-career standards.
He has built a reputation for accuracy, controlled aggression, and mental toughness. As teammates and experts observe, his calm under pressure sets him apart. He tends not to hunt for wickets rashly, instead bowling in phases with patience and strategy.
What Comes Next: The Third Test at Lord’s
Following the emotional high at Edgbaston, attention now shifts to Lord’s for the third Test starting July 10, 2025. Akash Deep featured prominently again: on Day 4, he took the wicket of Harry Brook with a terrific delivery before limping off the field. India raised a few eyebrows by sending him in as a nightwatchman late in the innings — a move not often seen and one that got plenty of people talking. He fell to Ben Stokes just before stumps, but his spells so far reflect his growing importance in India’s attack.
Why This Success Matters
- Breaking historical pattern: Playing a central role in India’s first win at Edgbaston in nearly six decades reshapes the narrative.
- Elevating self-belief: Mentor and analysts note how this performance boosted his confidence, paving the way for more measured spells.
- Beacon for resilience: His story of personal sacrifice, emotional sacrifice, and family devotion resonated beyond sport.
- Building a pace bench: With Bumrah rested or rotated and Siraj also part of the rotation, Akash Deep is emerging as a reliable third seamer in red-ball cricket.
Conclusion
Akash Deep’s recent journey through adversity, opportunity, and achievement marks a landmark chapter in India Test cricket. From local tennis-ball matches in Kolkata to devastating precision at Edgbaston, his transformation speaks of resolve and readiness. That outstanding ten-wicket haul in just his eighth match spoke volumes about his growing impact. Test, amid personal hardship and immense pressure, has written his name into history and reshaped his future.
As India marches into the third Test at Lord’s, Akash Deep stands not as a newcomer but as a compelling story of talent etched into the international arena. His success carries not just wickets but inspiration, both for his family and for cricket fans alike.
FAQ’s ?
Akash Deep is a right-arm fast-medium bowler from Bihar (playing for Bengal domestically). He made his India Test debut in February 2024 during the home series against England at Ranchi, earning immediate impact by removing top-order England batters.
He took 4/88 in the first innings and 6/99 in the second, for match figures of 10/187. This performance helped India record their first Test win at Edgbaston and set a new record for best bowling figures by an Indian in England.
Akash Deep played Edgbaston Test while dealing with his elder sister's stage-three colon cancer. He dedicated his ten-wicket haul to her, saying "Behen, yeh tumhare liye hai", reflecting deep emotional strength and motivation.
He bowls at around 145 km/h, combines pace with control, uses movement and bounce intelligently, and focuses on breaking partnerships rather than individual wickets. He brings high discipline and patience to his spells.
Akash Deep has cemented a place as India's third pace option (behind Bumrah and Siraj). With selectors rotating bowlers and India valuing his form and temperament, he is likely to be a central figure in future away Tests, especially in seaming conditions.