In a significant moment at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi, Akash Deep marked his Test debut in the fourth match of the India vs England series. The 27-year-old right-arm pacer received his Test cap from the esteemed India head coach Rahul Dravid just before the toss, stepping into the squad as a replacement for the rested Jasprit Bumrah. Akash Deep proudly became India’s 313th Test cricketer.
The cap ceremony unfolded with an emotional exchange, where Akash Deep, after receiving the cap from Rahul Dravid, received a warm hug from the captain, Rohit Sharma. As is now customary, the debutant went straight to his family post-ceremony, touching his mother’s feet to seek blessings, followed by an embrace and expressions of gratitude from other family members.
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The heartfelt moment was captured in photographs as Akash Deep posed alongside his proud family. Akash Deep is the fourth Indian cricketer to receive his Test cap in this series. The debutante joins the ranks of Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhurv Jurel, each making their Test debuts in different matches of the ongoing series against England.
Say hello to #TeamIndia newest Test debutant – Akash Deep 👋
A moment to cherish for him as he receives his Test cap from Head Coach Rahul Dravid 👏 👏
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/FUbQ3Mhpq9 #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/P8A0L5RpPM
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 23, 2024
Akash Deep touching mother’s feet after debut cap#INDvsENG #AkashDeep pic.twitter.com/BxjT3jZ2tJ
— चिरकुट ज़िंदगी (@Chirayu_Jain26) February 23, 2024
His inclusion in the XI came ahead of his Bengal teammate Mukesh Kumar, a decision based on his impressive performance in the three-match India A vs England Lions series. With a notable tally of 12 wickets in the unofficial tests, including two four-wicket hauls, Akash Deep earned the nod from the management.
Described by Graeme Swann, part of the England Lions support staff, as a bowler who “can hit the bat hard and hit the top of off stump regularly,” Akash Deep’s selection underscores his potential impact. Prior to his Test debut, he showcased his skills for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
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Boasting a first-class average of 23.58, Akash Deep has accumulated 103 wickets in 30 matches. Hailing from Dehri in Bihar, the right-arm pacer has caught the attention of the cricketing world with his prowess, and his selection into the Indian Test team is a testament to his special abilities. The home team’s batting coach, Vikram Rathour, commended Akash Deep, emphasizing his impressive domestic cricket record and describing him as a bowler with decent pace and a good line.
