"Khone ko kuch nahi tha...” - Akash Deep dedicates Test debut to his father

India pacer Akash Deep opened up about his impressive debut in the ongoing fourth Test against England at the Jharkhand Cricket Association complex in Ranchi. He recalled the tough times he had to face and dedicated his debut to his father.

Akash Deep was the shining light for the Indian team with the ball on Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against England. The fast bowler made his debut for the team on the back of impressive performances in the domestic circuit.

He received his maiden call-up for the Indian team for the last three Tests against England. He didn’t get an opportunity in the third match but Jasprit Bumrah getting rested for the fourth game paved the way for him to make his debut for the team in the longest format of the game.

Akash Deep was nothing short of exceptional on his debut as was breathing fire with the new ball. The fast bowler bowled impeccable lines and lengths and made England’s top order look clueless. He seemed unplayable in the first spell, such was the class of his bowling.

Akash Deep made a mockery of the England top order. He first removed Ben Duckett and then followed it with the wicket of Ollie Pope for a two-ball duck. If this was not enough, he then sent dangerous-looking Zak Crawley to leave the opposition tottering at 57/3.

Akash Deep while dedicating his performance to his father said that he wasn’t doing anything in life when his dad was alive. He stressed that it was his father’s dream to see the fast bowler do something good in life. Speaking to reporters after the game, he explained:

“I dedicate my debut to my father. I wasn’t able to do anything in life when he was alive and it was his dream that I do something good in life… so I dedicate this performance and debut to him.”

Akash Deep: I dedicate my debut to my father. I wasn’t able to do anything in life when he was alive and it was his dream that I do something good in life… so I dedicate this performance and debut to him

— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) February 23, 2024

I lost my brother and father in a year – Akash Deep

Akash Deep underwent a terrible time in the last year. The fast bowler suffered huge family losses and despite that, he put in hard yards in domestic cricket. The fast bowler performed well and forced the selectors to pick him in the team in the longest format of the game.

Akash Deep said that his journey has been quite emotional, stressing the family losses he faced. He said that his family played a huge part and he had all to gain and nothing to lose. He added:

“It was very emotional for me… I lost my brother and father in a year… my journey has been tough and my family played a big role. Mere paas khone ko kuch nahi tha, paane ko bahut kuch tha.”

Akash Deep was the pick of the bowlers for the team on Day 1 with his figures of 3/70. He would be hoping to add more wickets to his tally on Day 2. The pacer would be hoping to bag a fifer and make his debut memorable one.