Rishabh Pant makes shocking admission about Akash Deep's sister's cancer

Team India vice-captain and keeper-batter Rishabh Pant opened up about Akash Deep's sister's cancer diagnosis ahead of the third Test against England. Pant revealed that he was aware of Akash Deep’s sister battling cancer during the 2025 IPL season but added that such issues should be kept personal.

India’s decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the second Test match in Birmingham raised eyebrows. However, his replacement, Akash Deep, delivered a stellar performance. The right-arm pacer finished the match with an impressive 10-wicket haul. India secured a 336-run victory to level the five-match series.

Following the match, Akash shared that his sister has been diagnosed with cancer. Speaking to fellow India Test cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, the pacer said that he would dedicate his performance in the match to her.

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Knew About Akash Deep’s Personal Problems Since the IPL - Rishabh Pant

Ahead of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s, Rishabh Pant was asked about Akash Deep’s personal struggles. Pant revealed that he had known about Akash’s family situation during the IPL.

“I knew about Akash’s personal problems since the IPL, but I think it’s better if certain things are kept personal. Definitely we have had conversations but it’s better to keep them personal," said Pant on Wednesday.

Akash took 4 wickets for 88 runs in the first innings and added 6 wickets for 99 in the second. Mohammed Siraj also starred with the ball, dismantling England’s batting order with figures of 6 for 70 in the opening innings.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant reveals difficulty in working with Jasprit Bumrah ahead of Lord's Test

Jasprit Bumrah Was Not Playing Because of Workload Management - Rishabh Pant

Akash Deep was included in the playing XI at Edgbaston after Jasprit Bumrah was rested for workload management. However, he is expected to retain his place for the upcoming Lord's Test.

Rishabh Pant stated that both Akash and Mohammed Siraj delivered strong performances in Bumrah's absence. The middle-order batter said it was 'very nice' for the team.

"This is the time to step up. Bumrah was not playing because of workload management. But still Akash Deep and [Mohammed] Siraj stood up. That is very nice to see," Pant said.

We Don’t Want to Think About the Opposition - Rishabh Pant

According to reports, the pitch at Lord’s may offer more assistance to fast bowlers than the surfaces used in the first two matches. The 27-year-old said that the team is focused on its own preparation rather than worrying about England’s strategies.

"We don’t want to think about what the opposition is thinking. Are they changing their plans or not? Whatever they are doing, we’ll do our best and try to get better," Pant commented.

The pitches used in the first two Tests have faced criticism for being too flat. England described the Edgbaston surface as more suited to subcontinental conditions than traditional English ones.

India picked Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the second Test, in the playing XI. Meanwhile, England have included Jofra Archer in their XI. He returns to Test cricket for the first time since 2021.

Also read: Rishabh Pant, Ben Stokes throw punches at each other openly for..