Akash Deep is a name gaining attention in the world of cricket. He is a fast bowler from India. His journey is one of hard work and never giving up. Recently, he achieved a big dream by playing Test cricket for India. He continues to feature in domestic cricket and the popular Indian Premier League (IPL).
Early Life and Tough Beginnings
Akash Deep was born on December 15, 1996, in Dehri, Bihar. Growing up, he loved cricket more than studies. This worried his parents. His father, Ramji Singh, was a school teacher. He wanted Akash Deep to get a stable government job.
Cricket opportunities in Bihar were limited then. The state’s cricket association was suspended. Akash Deep moved to West Bengal to chase his cricket dream. Life threw major challenges at him. Within six months, both his father and elder brother passed away. Suddenly, Akash Deep had to support his family.
He started playing tennis-ball cricket matches in Durgapur, West Bengal. This helped him earn money. A friend helped him join a cricket club. He initially joined as a batsman but coaches saw his potential as a fast bowler because he was tall.
Making a Mark in Domestic Cricket
Akash Deep began playing serious cricket in Bengal. He joined the famous Mohun Bagan club. His talent was clear. He worked with former Bengal bowler Ranadeb Bose. Soon, he was selected for the Bengal Under-23 team.
He faced a setback with a serious back injury early on. But with support from his coaches, he recovered. Akash Deep made his debut for the senior Bengal team in 2019. He quickly became an important bowler for the team.
He impressed everyone in the Ranji Trophy, India’s main domestic tournament. In the 2019-20 season, his bowling helped Bengal reach the final. He took many important wickets. His consistent performances for Bengal in First-Class (Ranji Trophy), List A (Vijay Hazare Trophy), and T20 (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy) cricket made people notice him.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) Journey
His domestic success earned him an IPL contract. In 2022, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) picked him. The IPL is a huge platform. It allows players to compete with and against the best in the world.
Akash Deep played for RCB from 2022 to 2024. He played a few matches across these seasons. While he showed promise, he didn’t get consistent chances. His bowling could be expensive sometimes, but he also showed wicket-taking ability.
For the IPL 2025 season, Akash Deep moved to a new team. He now plays for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He faced another injury setback before the 2025 season, hurting his back while overseas. However, in early April 2025, he announced he was fully recovered. He stated he was “100% fit and ready to play” for LSG, eager to contribute to his new team.
Realizing the Dream: Playing for India
February 23, 2024, was a special day for Akash Deep. He made his Test debut for the Indian national cricket team. He received his Test cap (number 313) before the match against England in Ranchi. It was the reward for years of hard work and overcoming challenges.
He made an immediate impact in his first match. He bowled with pace and troubled the English batsmen early on. Playing Test cricket for India is the highest honour for any Indian cricketer. Akash Deep also played another Test match later that year, against Australia in December 2024.
Bowling Style
Akash Deep is a right-arm fast-medium bowler. He stands tall at about 6 feet 1 inch. He uses his height to get bounce from the pitch. He can bowl quick deliveries and also has the skill to swing the ball. He is also a handy lower-order batsman who can score quick runs.
Overcoming Hurdles and Looking Ahead
Akash Deep’s career shows his fighting spirit. He overcame the lack of opportunities in his home state. He dealt with immense personal tragedy. He fought back from serious injuries multiple times.
Now fully fit again, Akash Deep looks ready for IPL 2025 with Lucknow Super Giants. He aims to perform well and secure a regular spot. He also hopes to get more chances to play for India in the future. Mentorship from experienced figures like Zaheer Khan at LSG will surely help him develop his skills further.
Conclusion
Akash Deep’s story is inspiring. From a small town in Bihar, facing personal loss and injuries, he reached the highest level of cricket. His journey from tennis-ball games to wearing the Indian Test cap is remarkable. He is a testament to resilience and dedication. As he continues his career with Bengal, Lucknow Super Giants, and aims for more India appearances, Akash Deep remains a promising fast bowler to watch in Indian cricket.