 "Rahul Dravid remembers Akash Deep's father while handing India debut cap; Anil Kumble praises debutant")
Akash Deep got his international career off to a rollicking start on Friday, collecting three wickets in a sensational opening spell on debut to help India begin the fourth Test against England in Ranchi on a strong note. Team India had rested Jasprit Bumrah for the fourth Test in order to manage his workload, and brought Akash into the XI as his replacement , thus handing the Bengal pacer his Test debut.
Read | Who is Akash Deep? The India pacer making his Test debut at Ranchi
What’s more, the pacer received his maiden cap from none other than the legendary Rahul Dravid, one of the greatest batters produced by the cricket-mad nation who currently serves as the head coach of the Rohit Sharma-led side. In an emotional, goosebump-inducing moment ahead of toss, Dravid narrated Akash’s life story and the struggles that he faced in his journey towards becoming a cricketer.
“Akash your journey started from a place named Baddi, which is roughly 200 km from here. You have faced a lot of hardships in this journey. You have worked hard. You have seen a lot of ups and downs.
“You on your own, moved from Baddi to Delhi to play cricket. You were inspired by the 2007 T20 World Cup win. You stayed alone in Delhi and put in the effort. Then you moved to Kolkata from Delhi. You played domestic cricket and put up impressive performances. Your journey has taken you to Ranchi, which is 200km closer to your village and you are going to get your India cap here today,” Dravid said in a video posted by the BCCI on Friday.
Pictures | Akash Deep shares emotional moment with mother, family members on debut
Dravid also paid tribute to Akash’s late father and brother during his speech.
“It is a special feeling for you as your mother is also here along with some of your family members. It is unfortunate that your father and elder brother are no more. But we are sure that they are blessing you from wherever they are. Our entire team is wishing you. Please enjoy this moment and this match.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“You have worked hard to reach here this has been your dream. We are happy that we are here with you to fulfill this dream. Enjoy these five days and your entire career. With great joy, I present to you India Test Cap No, 313,” Dravid added.
Watch the moment here:
Words that inspire 🗣️ ft. Rahul Dravid
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 23, 2024
Dreams that come true 🥹
A debut vision like never seen before 🎥
Akash Deep - What a story 📝#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/vSOSmgECfC
Indian spin legend Anil Kumble too was effusive in his praise for the Bihar-born Bengal pacer.
“Akash has certainly bowled exceptionally well. He bowls not that much quicker, and he bowled in really good areas. He bowled good lengths and most of the time, the length sort of got the better of the batter, that’s where they got beaten.
“On this surface, it is not easy for stroke play. That’s something England batters went searching for. But hats off to Akash. I thought he bowled exceptionally well for a debutant,” Kumble added.
Akash accounted for the English top three , getting Ben Duckett caught-behind for 11 in the ninth over of the innings after visiting skipper Ben Stokes opted to bat. He would then dismiss Ollie Pope for a duck just two balls after collecting his maiden international wicket. As for Zak Crawley, he would knock the opener’s off stump over twice — bowling the no-ball on the first occasion.
England, however, would recover from 112/5 to end the day on 302/7, riding on a fine century from Joe Root (106 not out).
Akash had been impressive for India A in their recent red-ball matches against England Lions, in which he collected 11 wickets that helped him get noticed by the selectors and earned him a maiden call-up.
Before his big break on Friday, Akash had collected 104 wickets from 30 First-Class appearances since making his debut for Bengal in 2019.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
