[Watch] Rahul Dravid's Inspiring Words On Akash Deep's Dream to Reality Debut

Akash Deep received his debut Test cap from Rahul Dravid [x.com]

In an emotionally charged debut at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi, 27-year-old Akash Deep became the latest Indian sensation to don the Test cap, marking his entry as the 313th player for India in Test cricket.

This significant moment came during the fourth match against England, where Akash replaced Jasprit Bumrah, and rested for workload management. 

The young pacer's journey from his hometown of Baddi to the pinnacle of cricket is a tale of resilience and hard work, a story highlighted by India's head coach, Rahul Dravid, in a touching video titled "FROM DREAM TO REALITY- AKASH DEEP" shared by the BCCI.

Watch: Rahul Dravid's Inspiring Words here

Dravid recounted Akash's challenging path, filled with personal losses and professional hurdles, from moving cities to play cricket, inspired by the 2007 T20 World Cup, to his commendable performances in domestic cricket that paved his way to the Test team. 

Akash's emotional debut was marked by a touching moment as he sought his mother's blessings on the field, a gesture that resonated with many.

Akash's cricketing journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, marred by the tragic losses of his father and brother in 2015, and more family during the Covid pandemic. 

Despite these challenges, his first-class record boasts 103 wickets in 30 matches, including a stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. On his debut, Akash made a mark by claiming his first Test wicket, English opener Ben Duckett, showcasing his potential at the international level.

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