Watch - Rahul Dravid's emotional speech while handing over Test debut cap to Akash Deep

Team India head coach Rahul Dravid turned emotional while he was narrating pacer Akash Deep’s journey, who made his Test debut in the IND vs ENG fourth Test match.

Dravid explained about the hardships that Akash had to go through before playing his first Test match for the Rohit Sharma-led side. The Bengal pacer replaced ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested for the match.

Akash Deep (3/24) returned from a no-ball setback to dismiss Ben Duckett (11), Ollie Pope (0), and Zak Crawley (42), leaving England reeling.

Explaining Akash Deep‘s life journey, Rahul Dravid stated that the pacer comes from a place Baddi which is 200 km away from Ranchi.

Dravid added that Akash moved on his own from Baddi to Delhi, to play cricket and he was inspired by Team India’s win in the 2007 T20 World Cup. The Indian head coach stated that it is a great feeling to perform in front of family members and loved ones. Dravid added that Akash had lost his father and elder brother, unfortunately.

Concluding his speech Rahul Dravid added that the entire team wishes him and wants him to enjoy the game and with joy, he presented the cap number 313 to Akash Deep.

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Watch: Rahul Dravid gets emotional while explaining Akash Deep’s life journey

Words that inspire 🗣️ ft. Rahul Dravid

Dreams that come true 🥹

A debut vision like never seen before 🎥

Akash Deep – What a story 📝#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/vSOSmgECfC

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 23, 2024

Rahul Dravid said, “Akash your journey started from a place named Baddi, which is roughly 200 km from here. You have faced a lot of hardships in this journey. You have worked hard. You have seen a lots of ups and downs.”

“You on your own, moved from Baddi to Delhi to play cricket. You were inspired by the 2007 T20 World Cup win. You stayed alone in Delhi and put in the efforts. Then you moved to Kolkata from Delhi.

“You played domestic cricket and put up impressive performances. Your journey has taken you to Ranchi, which is 200km closer to your village and you are going to get your India cap here today.

“It is a special feeling for you as your mother is also here along with some of your family members. It is unfortunate that your father and elder brother are no more. But we are sure that they are blessing you from wherever they are.

“Our entire team is wishing you. Please enjoy this moment and this match. You have worked hard to reach here this has been your dream. We are happy that we are here with you to fulfil this dream. Enjoy this five days and your entire career. With great joy, I present to you India Test Cap No, 313.”

Akash Deep picked up 10 wickets from two red-ball games for India A against England Lions in Ahmedabad. Akash has scalped 104 wickets from 30 First-Class games, averaging 23.58. Akash took part in the net session on Wednesday and set it on fire with both the bat and ball. He was able to cut and slash the net bowlers very effectively and may prove to be a brilliant lower-order batsman for India in the future.

India would look forward to winning the fourth Test match in Ranchi and also win the series.

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