Indian pacer Akash Deep dedicates his historic 10-wicket haul and India’s first-ever Edgbaston Test win to his sister battling cancer. In an emotional reveal, he shares how personal pain fueled his match-winning performance, marking a record-breaking moment in Indian cricket history.
Indian fast bowler Akash Deep delivered a performance for the ages at Edgbaston, scripting a historic win for India in the second Test against England. However, behind the jubilant celebrations and record-breaking figures lay a story of quiet resilience, emotional strength, and unwavering love for family. In a heartfelt post-match revelation, Akash Deep dedicated his phenomenal match-winning performance to his elder sister, who is currently battling cancer.
Before the England tour, Akash Deep’s life was far from the structured regimen of training camps or practice matches. Instead, he found himself navigating hospital corridors, caring for his ailing sister. The dream of playing for India always burned within him, but it flickered amidst the emotional storm of watching a loved one fight a life-threatening illness. While he stood tall on the cricket field, a part of his heart remained in the hospital room, silently praying for his sister’s recovery.
Speaking to Sony Sports after the match, Akash broke down emotionally. “I have not told this to anyone,” he revealed. “My elder sister has been suffering from cancer for the last two months. She is now stable, and she is fine. I think she will be the happiest (seeing my performance). I want to dedicate this match to her. I wanted to see a smile on her face.”
Choking back tears, he added, “This is for you. Whenever I held the ball in my hand, your face was in my mind. I want to see happiness on your face. We are all with you.”
Akash Deep’s performance at Edgbaston was nothing short of sensational. He tore through England’s batting line-up with pace, accuracy, and an indomitable spirit. Finishing with match figures of 10/187 — four wickets in the first innings and six in the second — he not only led India to their first-ever Test win at the iconic Birmingham ground but also broke a 38-year-old record.
Chetan Sharma’s long-standing mark of 10/188 in England, set in 1986, was surpassed by Akash, making him the Indian with the best Test bowling figures on English soil. Moreover, he became only the second Indian pacer to take a 10-wicket match haul in England, underlining his impact on the game.
But for Akash, every wicket meant more than a statistic. Each delivery was a prayer, each breakthrough a moment of silent catharsis, and the final victory a tribute to his sister’s courage and his family’s strength.
India’s win at Edgbaston was crucial for another reason: it leveled the Test series and brought much-needed momentum to a team that entered the match with several question marks. Jasprit Bumrah’s absence was a significant concern, but Akash Deep stepped in with poise and purpose. Former India captain and selector Dilip Vengsarkar lauded the young pacer’s performance.
“Akash Deep grabbed his opportunity with both hands,” Vengsarkar said. “He will be a frontline bowler for the team. I did think we declared late, but India won, that’s what is important.”
Vengsarkar also spoke about potential strategies for the next Test at Lord’s, starting July 10. With Kuldeep Yadav being considered for inclusion and Shubman Gill showing outstanding leadership and form — scoring 430 runs across two innings — India seems to be finding its rhythm despite the absence of stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Bumrah.
“Gill is in form, which is very important as a captain because then he can lead from the front,” said Vengsarkar. “With no Kohli and Rohit, and Bumrah opting out, everyone contributed.”
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As India prepares for the decisive Lord’s Test, the story of Akash Deep stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. His performance was more than just cricket; it was a story of human spirit, familial love, and personal triumph over adversity.
In a game defined by stats and strategy, it was emotion that stole the show — and Akash Deep, with ball in hand and heart on sleeve, gave India not just a win, but a moment to remember forever.
