Rahul Dravid, the Indian head coach, handed over the debut Test cap to pacer Akash Deep before the fourth Test against England in Ranchi on Friday, February 23. In a video shared by BCCI, Dravid conveyed his joy, expressing how delighted the team management was to fulfill the Bengal pacer’s dream of representing the country.
Rahul Dravid conveyed the following message to Akash Deep during the team huddle:
“It’s good to have your family here. Your father and elder brother aren’t here, but I hope wherever they are they will be showering their blessings on you. Our team here is wishing you the best. Enjoy this moment.”
“ You have worked hard to reach here. We are very happy to be here to see your dream come true. Enjoy these five days and your career, with happiness presenting cap no. 1313, Akash Deep.”
You can watch the video below:
https://x.com/bcci/status/1760921213914738875?s=46
Dravid highlighted the challenges Akash faced on his journey to becoming a professional cricketer, including traveling from his village of Baddi to Delhi and later making strides in Bengal for a breakthrough in domestic cricket.
Akash received congratulations from his teammates in the huddle and captured moments with his family while proudly wearing the India cap.
Akash Deep shares his feelings upon receiving the Indian cap
Akash Deep shared his emotions about achieving a place in the Indian team. He expressed his focus on the upcoming task and mentioned (via Jio Cinema):
“It was a dream to play for India and to see that dream fulfilled near my village and with my family around, it just can’t get better than this. I feel it’s also a responsibility alongside it in this match. It’s a crucial match so I am focusing more on that.”
In an impressive initial spell, Akash claimed the dismissals of Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Zak Crawley. India relies on him to make an impact and take wickets in the third session on Day 1, especially with England making a comeback through a substantial partnership between Joe Root and Ben Foakes.
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