IPL 2022: RCB Bowler Akash Deep Shares How India's 2007 T20 World Cup Victory Inspired Him
Published - 11 Apr 2022, 06:25 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:07 AM
Akash Deep, a bowler for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has said that India’s T20 World Cup victory against Pakistan in 2007 motivated him to pursue a career in cricket.
The 25-year-old, who hails from a low-income family, told a story of how he watched the historic climax. There was no electricity in his hamlet that day, which meant they had to collect money from everyone to buy a generator.
Akash Deep described how difficult it was to make plans in his hometown to watch the final on that particular day. He expressed himself as follows:
“It was the finals of the 2007 World Cup, and Pakistan was the opponent. My village had no electricity, so we had to rent a generator using crowd financing in our neighborhood to do a public screening on a TV that was too small for everyone to view.”
“As a kid, I was enthralled by the large crowds, and after India won the World Cup, seeing the passion and emotions, I began to fantasize about playing cricket professionally.”
For me, receiving my debut cap was a proud moment: Akash Deep
In the second half of the IPL 2021 season, RCB introduced Akash Deep as a replacement for the injured Washington Sundar. Akash Deep finally made his debut in the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s first game of the season, earning the cap from previous captain Virat Kohli.
“The greatest delight was receiving my debut cap, and it was a proud moment for me because it came from Virat Bhaiya, whom I had idolized since I began playing professional cricket. He has led the fitness revolution in Indian cricket, and I enjoy participating in fitness exercises.”
On Tuesday, the Chennai Super Kings will face the Royal Challengers Bangalore in a thrilling match at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
