Lost Father & Brother, Then Sister Got Cancer: The Pain Behind Akash Deep’s Journey Into Cricket
From the quiet village of Dehri in Bihar’s Sasaram district to the roaring stands of Edgbaston, Akash Deep’s journey is more than just about cricket—it’s about courage, resilience, and heartbreak. On a rain-drenched day at Edgbaston, he etched his name into Indian cricketing folklore with a sensational 10-wicket haul, ending India’s 58-year winless run at the venue with a 336-run victory over England. But beyond the numbers lies a deeply moving story of survival through loss and pain.
A Childhood Marked by Tragedy
Born on December 15, 1996, Akash’s early years were marked by personal tragedy. At 16, he lost his father, Ramji Singh, a schoolteacher who never supported his cricket dream. Just six months later, his elder brother passed away. The double blow left the teenager shattered, and he walked away from cricket for three long years.
His mother, Laddu Devi, became the pillar of strength. Her resilience inspired Akash to resume the sport, even as the family faced another heartbreak—his sister was diagnosed with cancer. It was this adversity that lit a fire in Akash, who resolved to make cricket not just his profession, but his purpose.
Humble Beginnings to Cricketing Stardom
Akash studied in Sasaram till Class 12 and later shifted to West Bengal, where he earned money playing tennis ball cricket. His speed stood out, and scouts from Bengal cricket took notice. In 2010, he joined a cricket academy in Durgapur—as a batsman initially. But his natural pace made him a fast bowler, and the rest is history.
By 2019, Akash had made his domestic debut in all three formats for Bengal. His IPL breakthrough came with Royal Challengers Bangalore—first as a net bowler in 2021, then as a full member in 2022 for ₹20 lakh. In 2025, Lucknow Super Giants picked him up for ₹8 crore, a testament to his growing stature.
Golden Test Moment at Edgbaston
Akash made his Test debut in 2024 against England in Ranchi. But it was Edgbaston 2025 that defined him. With Jasprit Bumrah rested, the pressure was on. Akash responded with fire and finesse—4 wickets in the first innings, 6 in the second—becoming the first Indian pacer since 1976 to take 10 wickets in a Test match in England.
He didn’t soak in the spotlight. Instead, his words reflected his priorities:
“I played this match for my sister. She is fighting cancer. Her happiness means the world to me.”
A Nation Inspired
In a rare emotional moment, an English fan stood up and sang in Akash’s honour, silencing even the most hardened of cricket pundits. The boy from Bihar, once dismissed by his own father for dreaming too big, had made the world stop and watch.
Akash Deep’s story is not just about cricket. It’s about the power of persistence, the strength of a grieving heart, and the triumph of human spirit over fate. As he continues his rise, he carries not just the tricolour, but the hopes of every dreamer who dares to overcome.
