Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 8: In a rain-hit final day at Edgbaston where 80 overs were possible, a new Indian cricketing star emerged — Akash Deep, whose relentless and incisive spell led India to a thumping 336-run victory over England, levelling the series in emphatic fashion. With career-best match figures of 10 for 187, including a lethal 6 for 99 in the final innings, Akash became the first Indian pacer since Umesh Yadav (2018) to claim a ten-wicket haul in a Test.
What makes the feat even more historic is that it marked India’s first-ever Test win at Edgbaston — and the first by any Asian team at the venue.
Akash Deep’s rise is far from overnight. From humble beginnings in Baddi village, Bihar, to grinding through Bengal’s domestic circuit, his discipline and consistency have long been noticed by close observers. Joydeep Mukherjee, former Bengal cricketer and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) official, who played a key role in shaping Akash’s career, wasn’t surprised. “We’ve seen him dismantle top batters on flat Indian tracks. What he did at Edgbaston was just a higher-level version of what he’s always been capable of,” Mukherjee told reporters.
Former Bengal wicketkeeper Shreevats Goswami echoed the sentiment. “He’s got incredible control, uses the crease smartly, and bowls his heart out. I’m not surprised at all — I saw this coming,” said Goswami, who had faced Akash in the nets since 2019.
Akash’s dismissal of Joe Root — a late-moving delivery from wide of the crease that clipped the top of off-stump — became the defining moment of the match. Mukherjee credits it to training under Waqar Younis and Ranadeb Bose as part of CAB’s Vision 2020 programme.
His set-up to dismiss Ben Duckett and clever use of a slow bouncer to trap Jamie Smith after being hit for two sixes showcased a cricketing brain honed through years of Ranji cricket. Goswami compared Akash’s mental edge over Duckett to the classic Broad-Warner battles. "He's getting into Duckett’s head. This duel is just beginning," he said.
Behind the performance lies a deeply emotional backdrop. Akash dedicated his milestone to his sister Akhand Jyoti, who is battling stage three colon cancer. The fast bowler balanced IPL commitments with hospital visits, showing a side of compassion as strong as his on-field aggression.
“He’s had personal losses — his father and elder brother passed away within six months. He’s a quiet, family-oriented boy with a spiritual core. If you ask anyone in the Indian team, they’ll vouch for what a lovely human being he is,” said Mukherjee.
Akash’s career is built on a foundation of routine, discipline, and dedication. “He never touches junk food, follows dietary guidelines to the letter, and trains like clockwork. That’s why success was only a matter of time,” Mukherjee explained.
With the third Test at Lord’s looming, expectations are sky-high. Goswami wants to see Akash open with Jasprit Bumrah and believes a green track at Lord’s could play right into his strengths. “If he gets that bit of movement, he’ll be lethal. This isn’t a fluke — it’s a result of years of doing everything right. I wouldn’t even be surprised if he gets a Test hundred one day,” Goswami added.
Akash Deep’s story is more than just numbers on a scorecard. It's a narrative of grit, loss, resilience, and precision, culminating in one of India’s most dominant overseas wins. Now, as the cricketing world turns its eyes to Lord’s, it’s clear: Akash isn’t just playing for wickets — he’s playing for something much bigger.