Indian cricket team fast bowler Akash Deep recently shared the heartfelt story behind a special gift he received from star batter Virat Kohli just before the first Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai. During the pre-match training camp, Kohli presented Akash Deep with one of his personal bats, a gesture that holds great significance for the young bowler, who also played alongside Kohli at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
In a recent conversation, Akash Deep reflected on the emotional significance of this moment, revealing that it was Kohli who chose to gift him the bat without any prompting. He expressed his astonishment at receiving such a generous gesture from a player he admires deeply. “Virat bhaiya himself gave me the bat,” Akash Deep recounted. “He must have noticed something about my batting. I didn’t ask for it; he approached me and asked, ‘Bat chaiye kya tujhe?’ Who wouldn’t want a bat from Virat bhaiya? He is a legend.”
Akash Deep’s Rising Career and Praise from Manoj Tiwary
Akash Deep was overwhelmed by Kohli’s kindness and eagerly accepted the bat. Kohli inquired about the type of bat Akash used, but the young bowler could only smile, feeling speechless. After some conversation, Kohli said, “Yeh le, rakh le yeh bat.” Akash Deep emphasized that he would never actually use the bat in a match, as it was a significant gift from Kohli, which he plans to display as a cherished souvenir in his room. He even had Kohli sign the bat, further solidifying its sentimental value.
Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary praised Akash Deep for his impressive bowling abilities and predicted that he would excel in overseas conditions, standing alongside cricketing greats. Following a strong Test debut against England earlier this year, Akash retained his position in the ongoing Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, where he made an impact by taking two wickets in a single over on the second day.
Having transitioned from the U23 level to the senior team, Akash Deep’s raw talent has been evident, and he has dedicated himself to transforming that potential into notable performances, making the necessary sacrifices along the way. “He’s a hardworking and mentally stable player,” Tiwary noted, adding that his consistent performances in India suggest he could shine in challenging overseas venues like Australia, England, or South Africa.
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