In the dusty lanes of Sasaram, Bihar, where cricket was once deemed a “crime” by his father, Akash Deep’s story began—a tale of grit, loss, and an unyielding passion for the game. Today, the 28-year-old fast bowler stands tall as one of India’s brightest Test cricket stars, leaving an indelible mark on the 2023-2025 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. With 25 wickets in 8 Tests and fearless lower-order batting, Akash has transformed from a tennis-ball prodigy to a Test titan, inspiring millions with his journey from rural India to the global stage.
A Childhood Against the Odds
Born on December 15, 1996, in Dehri, Bihar, Akash Deep Yadav grew up in a region where cricket infrastructure was scarce. His father, a school teacher, prioritized academics and a stable government job over sports, dismissing Akash’s dreams as frivolous. Despite this, young Akash honed his skills in village matches, wielding a tennis ball with deadly precision. Tragedy struck early—losing his father and elder brother within six months left 18-year-old Akash as his family’s sole breadwinner. To support his mother and sister, he briefly abandoned formal cricket, playing high-stakes tennis-ball tournaments across eastern India for INR 25,000 a month.
“I had no choice but to earn,” Akash recalled in a 2024 interview. “But every ball I bowled in those matches, I imagined it was a red ball in a Test match.” His raw pace and swing caught the eye of local coaches, prompting a move to Kolkata in 2018, where he joined a cricket academy and began his transformation into a professional fast bowler.
Bengal’s Rising Star
Under the guidance of Bengal coaches Ranadeb Bose and Sourasish Lahiri, Akash evolved from a batsman to a fearsome pacer. His domestic career exploded in the Ranji Trophy, where he claimed 89 wickets in 39 innings, including a stunning 10-wicket haul against Haryana in 2023. His ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain speeds above 140 km/h earned him a call-up to Bengal’s senior team. By 2022, Akash was a domestic stalwart, and his performances in the Duleep Trophy—where he dismissed international stars like Shubman Gill—put him on the national radar.
His IPL journey began with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2022, but it was his INR 8 crore move to Lucknow Super Giants in the 2025 IPL auction that signaled his growing stature. Yet, it was the Test arena where Akash truly found his calling.
WTC 2023-2025: Akash Deep’s Breakthrough
The 2023-2025 WTC cycle saw Akash Deep emerge as a cornerstone of India’s pace attack. Debuting against England in Ranchi (February 2024), he tore through their top order, dismissing Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope in a fiery opening spell. His figures of 3/83 set the tone for India’s series-clinching 3-1 victory. “I wasn’t nervous,” Akash said post-match. “I just bowled like I did in Sasaram—straight and fast.”
Across 8 Tests, Akash claimed 25 wickets at an average of 28.60, with his best figures of 6/99 coming against New Zealand in Mumbai. His ability to extract seam movement on flat pitches and maintain an economy rate of 3.80 made him a reliable partner to Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Key highlights include:
- England Series (2024): Beyond his debut, Akash’s duel with Joe Root in Birmingham, where he trapped the England star lbw with a late-swinging yorker, became a viral moment on X, with fans dubbing him “Bihar’s Bumrah.”
- Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Australia, 2024-2025): Akash played three Tests, taking 5 wickets and proving his mettle with the bat. In Brisbane, his 27 off 37 balls, including a towering six off Pat Cummins, helped India avoid the follow-on. In Melbourne, his 31 off 49 balls, alongside Ravindra Jadeja, frustrated Australia’s bowlers. A heartfelt moment came when Virat Kohli gifted Akash his bat in Kanpur, which Akash used to score a vital 27 against New Zealand, avoiding another follow-on.
- New Zealand Series (2024): Akash’s aggressive batting—smashing two sixes at a 240+ strike rate—drew comparisons to Umesh Yadav, while his 4 wickets in Pune showcased his bowling versatility.
An injury sidelined him for the Sydney Test in January 2025, but his contributions helped India secure third place in the WTC table with a PCT of 50.00, behind finalists South Africa (69.44) and Australia (67.54).
The Heart of a Warrior
Akash’s impact went beyond numbers. His fearless attitude—whether charging at bowlers like Josh Hazlewood or delivering unplayable outswingers—earned him the nickname “Sasaram’s Sher” (lion) on X. Fans celebrated his story, with one post reading: “From tennis-ball cricket to troubling Root and Smith, Akash Deep is proof dreams don’t need a postcode.” His lower-order cameos, averaging 15.20 with the bat, often turned matches, while his fielding, including a diving catch to dismiss Steve Smith in Perth, electrified crowds.
Off the field, Akash’s humility shines. He credits his mother’s sacrifices and his coaches’ belief for his success. “I play for my family and my village,” he said after his debut. “Sasaram doesn’t have a cricket ground, but I want kids there to know they can dream big.”
What Lies Ahead
With the WTC cycle concluding in June 2025, Akash Deep’s focus shifts to India’s upcoming Test assignments and the IPL 2025 season with Lucknow Super Giants. At 28, his peak years lie ahead, and experts predict he could lead India’s pace attack post-Bumrah. His domestic form—104 wickets in 31 first-class matches—suggests untapped potential, while his batting flair adds depth to India’s lower order.
Akash’s journey from tennis-ball tournaments to the WTC stage is a testament to resilience and raw talent. As he prepares for the next chapter, fans on X are already buzzing: “Akash Deep isn’t just a bowler; he’s a story of hope for every small-town kid.” From Sasaram’s backyards to Test cricket’s grand arenas, Akash Deep’s incredible journey is far from over—it’s just getting started.
Last Updated on: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:42 am by Puneeth Kamalapuram | Published by: Puneeth Kamalapuram on Monday, July 7, 2025 10:42 am | News Categories: News
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