Before he shocked the cricketing world with his searing spell in Birmingham, Akash Deep was nowhere near the nets and pitches that usually mould an international cricketer.
Rather, his days were spent walking the corridors of hospitals, nursing his sister who was fighting cancer — her pain ever constant, his dream never given up on.
The pride of inclusion in India's Test team could not totally take hold. His heart was still rooted at home, with a loved one struggling a much more personal, brutal fight. But amidst this emotional turmoil, Akash stood up — producing a performance for the ages.
In the wake of India's dominant win over England in the second Test at Edgbaston, visibly upset Akash Deep revealed a passionately personal fact he had kept to himself.
"I have not informed anyone about this," he divulged in an open interview to Sony Sports. "My older sister has been dealing with cancer for the past two months. She is stable now, and she is okay. I believe she will be the happiest (watching my performance). I would like to dedicate this game to her. I wanted to see her smile."
With tears in his eyes, he went on, "This is for you. Every time I had the ball in my possession, your face was on my mind. I wish to see you smiling. We are all with you."
Akash Deep's Birmingham performance wasn't only memorable—it was historic. Exhibiting precise seam control, maturity, and fire, he took 10 wickets overall—four in the first, six in the second—finishing on a match haul of 10 for 187.
His magic helped India achieve its first-ever Test victory at Edgbaston, square the series, and make history by inscribing his name in the record books. Along the way, Akash shattered the 39-year-old record of Chetan Sharma's 10/188, the new best-ever match bowling figures by an Indian in England. He also became only the second Indian pacer to record a 10-wicket haul in a Test match on English soil.
With every over he bowled, there was more than the burden of expectation—it bore unspoken prayers, buried wounds, and a relentless urge to bring joy to someone who was fighting a greater battle back home.
Behind the wickets and cheers was a tale of silent strength and unshakable love. At Akash Deep's best moment on the ground, it was his sister's strength that resonated through each ball he bowled.
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