India's new bowling hero Akash Deep was once told to try for peon's job, had quit cricket for 3 years after death of father and brother

Economic Times

13 hours ago

Akash Deep with his family. Akash Deep has lost his father and brother in 2015.
Akash Deep's journey to becoming India's newest pace sensation is not just a cricketing story—it's a story of quiet grit, overwhelming loss, and relentless belief. Born in 1996 in the small town of Sasaram in Bihar, Akash came from a region where aspiring to play cricket professionally was often discouraged. With limited opportunities and a suspended state cricket association, the odds were stacked against him right from the beginning. Netizens hailed him as a true fighter after his story went viral.
Growing up, Akash was passionate about the game but was constantly reminded that cricket was a distraction, a road to nowhere. Neighbours told their children not to mingle with him. His father, like many others in the area, hoped he would pursue a government job—perhaps as a constable or even a peon. Though Akash often appeared for these exams out of respect, he never truly attempted them, always returning the forms blank. Cricket, even then, was his calling. — MohlaVivek (@MohlaVivek)
He left Bihar in search of better opportunities and settled in Durgapur, West Bengal, where he began playing for United Club in the Cricket Association of Bengal's second division league. Just when things seemed to be taking a positive turn, tragedy struck. Within a span of six months in 2015, he lost both his father and elder brother. Suddenly, the responsibility of providing for the family fell squarely on his shoulders. The emotional toll forced him to step away from cricket entirely. For the next three years, he focused on survival and supporting his two sisters.
In Kolkata, Akash worked on improving his fitness and bowling under the guidance of India pacer Mohammed Shami. His hard work paid off when he broke into Bengal's U-23 team in 2019, and later debuted for the senior side across all formats. His breakthrough came in the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy season, where he picked up 35 wickets and helped Bengal reach the final. — adit_prak_94 (@adit_prak_94) His performances did not go unnoticed. In 2022, Akash was picked up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Though his IPL journey had its ups and downs, he remained consistent on the domestic circuit. His growing reputation culminated in a Test call-up. Against England, Akash delivered a stunning performance at Edgbaston, taking 10 wickets in the match and playing a key role in India's massive 336-run victory. On a surface not known to favour bowlers, his ability to generate pace and movement stood out, earning praise from fans and experts alike. — _Bruce__007 (@_Bruce__007) However, behind this success lay more pain. Just two months before his England Test, his elder sister was diagnosed with cancer. It was yet another emotional blow to a young man who had already endured so much. While preparing for and playing one of the biggest matches of his life, Akash carried the weight of this devastating news in silence. His motivation to perform wasn't just about proving himself on the international stage—it was about bringing a smile to his sister's face amid her battle. — AjSingh1306 (@AjSingh1306) His resilience in the face of immense personal and financial hardship has inspired millions. Netizens hailed him not only for his bowling but also for his incredible journey—one that started in obscurity, passed through grief, poverty, and isolation, and finally reached the grand stage of Test cricket.