Having made his Test debut earlier this year, Bengal fast bowler Akash Deep is determined to get back on the field, fully recovered from dengue fever and eager for more.
On a pleasant afternoon in Bengaluru, after an intense training session, Akash Deep checks the scores of the Rawalpindi Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh on his phone. With the potential of being selected for India’s home Tests against Bangladesh in September, he’s keen to observe how their batters are performing. This has become part of his daily routine—watching relevant matches at night and ramping up his training by day.
“I haven’t played competitive cricket since the Bengal T20 League in June,”
Akash tells ESPNcricinfo, ahead of the Duleep Trophy starting on September 5 in Bengaluru and Anantapur. His dengue fever kept him out for three weeks until mid-July, but he’s since undergone rigorous training to prepare for India’s home season. Akash Deep, now fully recovered, is eager to add to his maiden Test cap, earned earlier this year against England in Ranchi.
Recovering After Dengue: A Test of Patience and Determination
“I was on complete bed rest for three weeks. When I began bowling again, I realized that the body takes time to get back into rhythm. You can work in the gym as much as you want, but until you actually bowl, those specific bowling muscles don’t fully open up,” says Akash.
At 27, Akash Deep is still relatively new to first-class cricket with just four seasons under his belt. However, he has already made a mark as a skiddy bowler who can move the ball both ways. His career took a pivotal turn in 2018 when Manoj Tiwary, former Bengal captain, noticed his potential during a club game in Kolkata.
Akash impressed with his ability but struggled with consistency, often delivering a mix of brilliant and loose balls. A key conversation with India fast bowler Mohammed Shami changed his approach.
“He spoke to me about his own fitness challenges and how he came back stronger from injuries,” Akash recalls. “That chat shifted my mindset. I used to bowl in the mid-130s [kph], but after improving my fitness, I realized I could bowl longer spells without tiring.”
Consistency and Endurance – Akash Deep’s Formula for Success
In red-ball cricket, Akash Deep has prioritized consistency and endurance.
“It’s about how long you can keep hitting the same spot. Sometimes, when there’s nothing in the pitch, you can get tired. My goal has been to build endurance and stay consistent. You need to keep up the pressure and avoid leaking runs,” he explains.
This focus paid off during his Test debut, where he took three wickets in his first hour, dismissing Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Zak Crawley within his first six overs in Ranchi. Despite the excitement of that debut, Akash Deep remains level-headed.
“When you work hard to reach this level, you realize there’s so much more to do to stay here. My thinking is that I need to work even harder so I can play more Tests,” he says.
Overcoming Personal Challenges to Reach the Top
Akash Deep’s journey to earning his India cap has been marked by personal tragedy. In 2015, both his father and brother passed away within two months. It was after these losses that Akash decided to leave his hometown in Sasaram, Bihar, and move to Kolkata to pursue his cricket career seriously.
“A lot has changed, but I still think about my dad,” Akash reflects. “I wish he could’ve seen me play Tests. Whenever I’m feeling down or need motivation, I think of him. It gives me the strength to push myself and get better.”
Coming from Sasaram, a small town in rural Bihar, where cricket wasn’t seen as a career option, Akash’s rise has had a big impact on the community. In 2007, his entire neighborhood pooled in money to rent a generator and a TV to watch India play Pakistan in the T20 World Cup final. Sixteen years later, they gathered around a giant screen to watch Akash Deep play for India.
“When I went home after my Test debut, I saw kids playing with so much joy and their parents encouraging them. If I’ve helped raise awareness about cricket in my town, what more can I ask for?”
Gratitude to His Mentors
Akash is thankful to those who helped him along the way. He credits Arun Lal, who played a pivotal role during the early stages of his career.
“At a time when I didn’t believe in myself, Arun Lal used to tell me that I had everything it took to succeed. He believed in me more than I did. When I made my Test debut, I called him for his blessings. He said, ‘I knew this would happen; I told you five years ago.’”
Akash Deep is determined to remain grounded despite his success. “There’s no age limit for learning. If I get into a mindset that I’ve achieved something, then that bhookh (hunger) dies. I just want to stay fit, keep playing, and focus on what’s ahead rather than what I’ve already done.”
“My mindset is simple—the next match I play is the most important match of my life.”
