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Star pacer Akash Deep was certainly one of the architects of India's historic win against England in the second Test at Edgbaston. The fast bowler delivered an exceptional performance, taking a total of 10 wickets in the match which helped India crush England by 336 runs. The series-leveling win also ended India's Edgbaston jinx as they registered their first-ever win at the venue since 1967. Notably, the right-arm speedster claimed six wickets in the second innings, playing a key role in India bowling out England for 271 runs. Many doubted India's ability to take 20 wickets in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested due to workload management. However, Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj stepped up admirably, as the final result clearly demonstrates.
Akash Deep dedicates heroic 10-wicket haul to cancer-battling sister
Following the conclusion of the match, an emotional Akash Deep shared some personal news during his post-match interview with JioHotstar. Speaking with Cheteshwar Pujara, Akash Deep revealed that his elder sister had been diagnosed with cancer just two weeks prior to the match.
He dedicated his remarkable 10-wicket haul to his sister, stating that he was constantly thinking of her throughout the game.
“Maine kisi ko bataya nahi (I haven't told anyone about this). My elder sister is suffering from cancer. It was diagnosed two months ago. She is okay right now. She is stable. She would be so happy with my performance. She has gone through so much mentally in the last two months. I dedicate my performance to her,” Akash Deep said during his conversation with Cheteshwar Pujara.
Akash also conveyed a heartfelt message for his sister.
"To my sister, I just want to say that you keep fighting. I am here, and the entire country is with you. I hope you recover soon. Behen yeh tumare liye hai. (This is for you.) Whenever I held the ball. I was just thinking about you as your face was popping up throughout. I just wanted to give you happiness. We are all with you,” he added.
In the second innings, Akash continued his impressive form, having already taken four wickets in the first innings. He provided India with an excellent start by dismissing both Ben Duckett and Joe Root during the final session on Day 4.
Carrying his momentum into the final day, Akash Deep continued to trouble the English batsmen in the first session of Day 5. He successfully dismissed the overnight pair of Ollie Pope and Harry Brook. Even on an Edgbaston pitch that was considered unresponsive for fast bowlers, the right-arm pacer managed to extract movement and prove highly effective, even outperforming the England seam bowlers on their home ground.
"It is all about staying in the present. I think we should just enjoy this win at Edgbaston. We batted, bowled and fielded well. All three departments went great. It is about staying in the moment. To tell you the truth, I am not thinking about the next Test. If I play that Test, my plan would be to bowl in consistent areas," Akash concluded.
The action will now shift to Lord's where the third Test between India and England will be played from July 10.
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