Sudarshan Banerjee

Akash Deep's parents has opposed him from playing cricket but he said they were right because cricket doesn't offer a good future from where he came (Baddi Sasaram, Bihar). He used to play cricket secretly. Many parents told their kids not to mingle with Akash because he prefers cricket over studies. He lost his father and elder brother, and later he arranged oxygen cylinder for his mother during the pandemic. He had to leave cricket for 3 years, due to family responsibilities. He shifted to Bengal for the medical expenses, and played club cricket there. Whatever small amount he was paid, he saved most of it for his mother. As a part of Vision2020 programme, Akash worked with Bengal pacer Ranadeb Bose and he got selected for Bengal U23 team within a year (despite not playing age group cricket earlier). Before this Vision2020, he was only playing tennis ball cricket. He faced a career threatening injury, however successfully underwent rehabilitation. From having to play cricket secretly to overcoming a career threatening injury. From saving his mother with his meager salary to bowing down to her during his Test debut. From 3 years of leaving cricket with losing multiple family members to taking 3 wickets in first hour of Test debut. From not playing U16 and U19 cricket to representing India. Aakash Deep has overcome every barrier to make his India debut at age 27. #INDvENG