Ahead of the 3-match ODI series commencing on Sunday, December 17, in Johannesburg, the Indian cricket team confronts a setback with Deepak Chahar, a crucial player, making himself unavailable due to his father’s critical condition in recent weeks.
Despite earlier indications of Chahar’s reluctance to travel to South Africa, the BCCI has officially named Akash Deep as his replacement, acknowledging his remarkable journey.
Hailing from the village of Sasaram in Bihar, the 27-year-old faced early adversity, losing his father and elder brother. Yet, Akash emerged as a force in Indian cricket, notably contributing to Bengal since his 2019 debut.
With an impressive record of over 80 matches in all formats, Akash Deep boasts 170 wickets and 500 runs. In List A matches, he showcases his prowess with 42 wickets at an average of 24.5, making a breakthrough every 30.4 balls with an economy of 4.82 runs per over.
Expressing gratitude to his first state-level coach, Saurashish Lahiri, Akash said, “Sir, main toh train thaa, par train ko bhi patri pe laana hota hai, woh aapne kiya” (I was a train, but the train needed to be put on track, you did that). Lahiri, witnessing Akash’s growth, shared the emotions.
Beyond his stellar domestic record, Akash has made an impact in the IPL, claiming six wickets while playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2022. His call-up to the Indian team underscores consistent performances and undeniable talent. As Akash Deep joins Bengal’s cricketing talents, the nation anticipates witnessing this rising star shine on the international stage after Mukesh Kumar’s, another Bengal pacer, heroic so far after making his debut.
