Akash Deep: From Bihar’s Bylanes to Team India’s Bowling Brilliance
The Rise of Akash Deep – A Story of Grit, Grind & Glory
When people talk about rags-to-riches stories in Indian cricket, they often point to MS Dhoni or Mohammed Siraj. But another name quietly carving his legacy through sheer hard work, tragedy, and resilience is Akash Deep, the fierce right-arm pacer from Bihar. With a heart full of ambition and a soul forged through pain, Akash’s story is nothing short of cinematic.
Humble Beginnings in Bihar
Born on December 15, 1996, in Dehri (near Sasaram), Bihar, Akash Deep grew up in a modest household. His father, Ramji Singh, was a physical education teacher. Life was hard, but manageable—until 2015.
That year turned his world upside down. Akash lost both his father and elder brother within a short span. Suddenly, he was no longer a young boy chasing dreams—he was the man of the house.
While many would buckle under the weight of responsibility, Akash chose to run faster.
From Tennis Ball to Bengal Whites
In Durgapur, away from the limelight, Akash began his cricket journey by playing tennis-ball matches for Rs 800 a day. It was survival first. Cricket second. But somewhere, his dreams never died.
Moving to Kolkata, he joined United Club in the CAB first-division league. Initially a batsman, his raw pace and tall frame turned heads. Coaches soon molded him into a bowler, especially under the mentorship of Ranadeb Bose and Bengal’s Vision 2020 program.
His move to Bengal wasn’t just geographical—it was transformational.
First-Class Debut and Domestic Stardom
In 2019, he made his first-class debut for Bengal. He made an instant impression, claiming wickets with his pace and bounce.
Domestic Stats Snapshot:
- First-Class Matches: 38
- Wickets: 128
- Average: 24.19
- Best Match: 10/112
- List A Matches: 28 | Wickets: 42
- T20 Matches: 42 | Wickets: 49
His incredible 41 wickets in the 2023 Ranji Trophy, including a ten-wicket haul, made national selectors sit up and take notice.
The IPL Journey – Highs & Learnings
Akash Deep was picked up by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the 2022 IPL season. In a team filled with stars, Akash grabbed eyeballs with his raw pace and aggression.
IPL Stats:
- Debut Year: 2022
- Matches Played: 14
- Wickets: 10
- Best Figures: 3/45
While his IPL numbers may not scream dominance, the exposure to global talents and pressure situations shaped him into a more mature cricketer.
In 2025, he was bought by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a whopping Rs 8 crore, proving that franchises believed in his potential.
The Dream Debut – India Test Cap No. 313
On February 23, 2024, Akash Deep earned his Test debut in Ranchi against England. It wasn’t just a debut; it was a declaration.
In his very first spell, he dismissed Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, and Ben Stokes. England was stunned. A pacer from the lanes of Bihar had shaken one of the strongest batting orders.
Test Career (as of July 2025):
- Matches: 7
- Wickets: 15
- Best Figures: 3/83
The Edgbaston Masterclass
Fast forward to July 2025: In the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Akash delivered a performance for the ages. He picked 10 wickets in the match, including six in the second innings.
India crushed England by 336 runs, and Akash Deep walked off with the Player of the Match award.
In that match, Akash didn’t just bowl well—he out-bowled England’s seamers in their own backyard. His sharp seam, consistent length, and calm aggression were lauded by legends.
Bowling Style and Strengths
Akash Deep is a right-arm fast-medium bowler, but his skills extend beyond raw speed.
- Control: Maintains tight lines in both red and white-ball formats
- Swing: Especially effective in early overs
- Bouncers: Uses height to extract steep bounce
- Temperament: Calm and hungry—a rare combo
He is often compared to Mohammed Shami for his seam position and to Ishant Sharma for his upright delivery stride.
Off the Field – Family, Faith & Fortitude
Despite his rising fame, Akash remains deeply rooted in his values. He still lives with his mother, ensuring his family’s comfort and well-being.
He often credits his success to his mother’s sacrifices, especially during the time of personal tragedy. She is not just his pillar—she is his strength.
Akash has also been quietly supporting grassroots cricket initiatives in Bengal and Bihar, helping kids who can’t afford kits or training.
Challenges He Faced
| Challenge | How He Overcame |
|---|---|
| Family Tragedy (2015) | Took up work while secretly training |
| Back Injury (Early Career) | Underwent rehab with Bengal’s support |
| Financial Hardship | Tennis-ball cricket to earn money |
| No Age-Group Cricket in Bihar | Moved to Bengal to chase better exposure |
What’s Next for Akash Deep?
At 28 years old, Akash Deep is entering the golden years of a fast bowler’s career. With Mohammed Shami aging and Umesh Yadav’s appearances dwindling, Akash is now India’s go-to option for fresh energy in Test cricket.
Selectors are keen to groom him for overseas conditions—especially Australia and South Africa.
He is also expected to play a big role in India’s World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle and could be a wild-card inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad due to his improved economy and experience.
Conclusion – The Heartbeat of a Fighter
Akash Deep isn’t just a cricketer. He’s a symbol—for every young Indian who is told their dreams are too big for their town.
He defied the odds, rose from grief, and now dons the Indian jersey with pride. From the streets of Sasaram to the pavilions of Lord’s and Edgbaston, Akash Deep’s journey reminds us that no dream is too distant.
As he said in a recent interview: “If you get satisfied as a cricketer, you will never learn anything.”
And Akash Deep? He’s just getting started.
Internal Link: Read about Mohammed Siraj’s journey to Indian cricket
External Link: Akash Deep Profile on Cricbuzz
