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"Behen, Yeh Tumhare Liye...": Akash Deep Dedicates Edgbaston Win To Cancer-Battling Sister

Rajgeeta Yadav

Akash Deep dedicates Edgbaston win to his sister [Source: AP Photos]Akash Deep dedicates Edgbaston win to his sister [Source: AP Photos]

In one of the most emotional moments of India’s ongoing tour of England, fast bowler Akash Deep not only delivered a match-winning performance but also revealed a deeply personal struggle that added meaning to his success. After taking a remarkable 10 wickets in the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston, Akash dedicated his performance to his elder sister, who has been battling cancer for the past two months.

India’s win in the second Test was nothing short of historic. They crushed England by 336 runs and broke their long-standing jinx at Edgbaston, winning there for the first time since 1967. However, while the headlines were about the result, the real story lay in the heart of one man, Akash Deep.

The 27-year-old pacer was sensational throughout the match. He picked up four wickets in the first innings and followed it up with six in the second, dismantling the English batting line-up. This was especially crucial as India were missing their bowling spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested due to workload concerns. Despite the pressure, Akash, alongside Mohammed Siraj, stepped up brilliantly.

Akash Deep Opens Up After 10-Wicket Haul

After the match, during a post-game conversation with teammate Cheteshwar Pujara on JioHotstar, Akash opened up about his personal battle. Fighting back emotions, he shared that his elder sister had been diagnosed with cancer two months ago.

“Maine kisi ko bataya nahi (I haven't told anyone about this). My elder sister is suffering from cancer. It was diagnosed two months ago. She is okay right now. She is stable. She would be so happy with my performance. She has gone through so much mentally in the last two months. I dedicate my performance to her,” said Akash Deep.

When asked if he had a message for his sister, Akash didn’t hold back. He spoke straight from the heart:

 "To my sister, I just want to say that you keep fighting. I am here, and the entire country is with you. I hope you recover soon. Behen yeh tumare liye hai. (This is for you.) Whenever I held the ball. I was just thinking about you as your face was popping up throughout. I just wanted to give you happiness. We are all with you,” he added.

On the field, Akash Deep’s bowling was relentless. He dismissed key players like Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook. Even on a pitch that didn’t offer much help to fast bowlers, he managed to generate movement and trouble the English batsmen, outshining even England’s own pacers in their home conditions.

With the series now level at 1-1, all eyes are on the third Test, which begins on July 10 at Lord’s. Both India and England will be aiming to take the lead, but for Akash Deep, the match at Edgbaston will always hold a special place in his heart.