‘Such a brother is rare': Akash Deep's sister, who has cancer, says has now runs the house after father's and brother's death
Akash Deep
led the team to a 336-run win in the second Test against England at Edgbaston with a remarkable 10-wicket haul. Brought into the squad as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah, Akash's bowling performance was a key factor in India's victory. Following the match, Akash dedicated the performance to his sister, Akhand Jyoti, who is undergoing treatment for cancer.
Sister's emotional reaction to Akash's dedication
Akash's sister Jyoti, who is battling stage three cancer, said she was not expecting her brother to speak publicly about her condition. Speaking to India Today, she said, "I had no idea Akash would say something like that. Maybe we weren't ready to talk about it publicly, but the way he became emotional and said it for me—dedicating it to me—it's a big deal. It shows how much he loves our family and me. Given the situation at home, and still performing like that and taking wickets there, it's a huge thing. I'm the one he is closest to."
— PTI_News (@PTI_News)
Akash Deep's sister speaks about her brother's journey
Jyoti said Akash has always shown care and dedication. "Akash has dedicated his biggest achievement to me, I am feeling very proud. He has made the country proud. He was youngest among the siblings, but he would care a lot. He used to play cricket a lot, win trophies, we would get happy... My treatment is going on here, cancer was detected two months back, he would practice here, would visit the hospital every day to meet me. He takes the blessings of mother before playing the games."
Family support before the England tour
Jyoti recalled meeting Akash before he left for the England tour and asking him to focus on his cricket. "It is a matter of pride for India—he has taken 10 wickets. Before the England tour, we went to meet him at the airport. I told him, 'I'm absolutely fine, don't worry about me, just do well for the country.' I am in the third stage (of cancer), and the doctor has said the treatment will go on for six more months, after which we'll see."
She also said the family always celebrates his success. "It makes me very happy when Akash takes wickets. Whenever he gets a wicket, all of us start clapping and cheering so loudly that the neighbours in the colony ask what has happened!"
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Akash stayed connected during the IPL season
Jyoti said her treatment had started during the Indian Premier League when Akash was playing for the Lucknow franchise. Despite his busy schedule, he remained in touch with the family and visited her at the hospital. "When the IPL was going on and he was playing for the Lucknow team, I was admitted to the hospital for cancer treatment. Even then, he would come meet me either before or after the matches."
Emotional moment after the Edgbaston match
After the Test match ended, Akash video-called Jyoti twice, once during the night and again at 5 a.m. She described the moment as emotional. "After the match ended, we spoke twice over video call, and again at 5 a.m. in the morning. Akash told me, 'Don't worry, the whole country is with us.' He said, 'I couldn't hold it in anymore. I had been trying to, but yesterday I just couldn't stop myself.'"
Akash steps up as family's pillar
Jyoti described Akash as the one holding the family together after the death of their father and elder brother. "Such a brother is rare. He helps us a lot and doesn't do anything without talking to us. He shares everything with the family. Since our father and eldest brother are no longer with us, he is the one now managing the whole household."
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