Akash Deep – India’s Rising Fast-Bowling Talent from Bengal
Akash Deep is a rising Indian fast bowler who made his mark with consistent performances in domestic cricket before breaking into the national team. Born on 15 December 1996 in Dehri, Bihar, he later moved to Kolkata, West Bengal, to pursue his cricketing dreams. Known for his pace and aggression, Akash represents India in Tests, plays for Bengal in domestic cricket, and turns out for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.
Personal Life and Struggles
Akash Deep was born into a modest family. His father, Ramji Singh, was a government school teacher in Bihar. Despite societal pressure and his father’s wish for him to secure a government job, Akash followed his passion for cricket. Tragically, he lost both his father and elder brother within six months, becoming the primary support for his mother and two sisters.
Without any cricketing infrastructure in Bihar due to BCA’s suspension, Akash moved to Durgapur, where a friend helped him join a cricket club. He survived by playing tennis-ball matches, earning INR 600 per day to meet expenses. This phase played a crucial role in shaping his resilience and mental toughness.
Early Career Journey
Akash initially started as a batsman at a local academy, but coaches noticed his growing height and advised him to switch to pace bowling. He trained under former Bengal pacer Ranadeb Bose as part of the Vision 2020 programme. Within a year, he earned a spot in Bengal’s U-23 team. However, a serious back injury almost derailed his career. His U-23 coach, Sourasish Lahiri, played a key role in his recovery.
Domestic Career
Akash made his T20 debut for Bengal in the 2018–19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on 9 March 2019. Later, he made his List A debut in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on 24 September 2019 and followed it up with a first-class debut in the Ranji Trophy on 25 December 2019.
His domestic stats quickly turned heads, especially his ability to deliver breakthroughs in crucial situations. During India A’s tour against England Lions, he picked up 11 wickets across two matches, including two four-wicket hauls, which pushed him closer to international selection.
| Format |
Debut Date |
Team |
Tournament |
| T20 |
9 Mar 2019 |
Bengal |
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy |
| List A |
24 Sep 2019 |
Bengal |
Vijay Hazare Trophy |
| First-class |
25 Dec 2019 |
Bengal |
Ranji Trophy |
IPL Career
In August 2021, he was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore for the second phase of IPL 2021. He was retained for the 2022 season and showed promise as a fast bowling option. In 2024, he was bought by Lucknow Super Giants, where he became a key death-over bowler.
International Career
Akash Deep’s international journey began when he was called up as a replacement for Shivam Mavi during the 2022 Asian Games. Though he didn’t feature in any games, the experience boosted his confidence. In late 2023, he was added to India’s ODI squad against South Africa as a replacement for Deepak Chahar but did not play.
In February 2024, he earned his first Test call-up during the home series against England. He made his Test debut in the fourth match of that series. His breakout moment came in 2025, during the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy in England.
In the second Test at Birmingham, he replaced Jasprit Bumrah and delivered a match-winning spell, taking 4 wickets in the first innings and 6 in the second, recording his maiden 10-wicket haul. His performance was vital in securing India’s first-ever Test win at Birmingham.
| Test Series |
Year |
Opponent |
Highlight |
| England (Home) |
2024 |
England |
Debut in 4th Test |
| England (Away) |
2025 |
England |
10-wicket haul in Birmingham Test |
Playing Style and Strengths
Akash Deep is a right-arm fast bowler with an ability to swing the ball both ways. He relies on pace, seam movement, and accuracy. His aggressive body language and stamina make him suitable for long spells in Test cricket. He’s also a handy lower-order batter, contributing valuable runs.
Latest Updates
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2024: Test debut vs England at Ranchi
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2025: 10-wicket match haul in Birmingham Test
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2025: Signed as a main pacer by Lucknow Super Giants
Akash Deep’s journey from Bihar’s cricket vacuum to the Indian national team is nothing short of inspiring. Against all odds, he has emerged as one of India’s brightest pace bowling prospects. With age on his side and a hunger to succeed, Akash Deep is expected to play a crucial role in India’s future, especially in red-ball cricket.
