The phrase ‘living in the moment’ is widely used in cricket, evolving from a progressive principle to a clichéd response. Whether it’s a debutant or a player in their 100th Test, everyone employs it as a convenient fallback. However, there are individuals who don’t have an alternative.
At the age of 13, Akash Deep immersed himself in a whirlwind when he arrived in Durgapur, a city approximately 170 km from Kolkata, to chase his dream of becoming a cricketer.
His father, dealing with paralysis, faced frequent deteriorations in his health. A concerned Akash was often summoned back to his hometown Sasaram, a small village in the Rohtas district of Bihar.
“During that time, I couldn’t think about cricket, let alone giving it time. Dad’s health used to deteriorate frequently and all I would wonder was what was next. And dad had paralysis, so there was no hope as well that he’d get better.”
“So those were really difficult times. I couldn’t afford to think about my future; life was simply going on,”Akash Deep stated in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, a day after receiving his first call-up to the Indian team.
Highlights from Akash Deep’s special interview with Sportskeeda
Q. During your Ranji Trophy match against Kerala, the team was announced on Saturday morning. When did you find out, and what was your response?
Akash Deep: While on the field, I noticed our support staff applauding from the sidelines. I inquired, ‘What happened? Why are you clapping like this?’ That’s when they informed me about my selection in the Test team.
Q. As the top wicket-taker for India A against England Lions with 11 wickets, did you have any hopes for being included in the ongoing series?
Akash Deep: I’ve always aspired to join the Test side, but I didn’t anticipate it happening this quickly. Although uncertain, I had a gut feeling that something might unfold in this series itself.
Q. In the past 15 years, you and your family have faced numerous challenges. How joyful is everyone in Sasaram now?
Akash Deep: I couldn’t connect with everyone due to the Ranji Trophy match, but I communicated with my family, and they were overjoyed. Seeing their son thrive and represent the country is their dream, so my mom and others were incredibly pleased.
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