Cricket

Virat Kohli's Heartwarming Gesture Inspires Rising Star Akash DeepIndian cricket legend Virat Kohli has extended a heartwarming gesture to promising pacer Akash Deep, gifting him a bat ahead of the Bangladesh Test series. The former India captain's act of kindness has not only motivated the young player but also highlights the camaraderie within the Indian cricket fraternity.Akash Deep, who made his Test debut against England last February, has been making waves with his consistent performances for Bengal in domestic cricket. His impressive tally of 41 wickets in the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, coupled with his strong outings in the Duleep Trophy and for India A, earned him a place in the Indian Test squad for the Bangladesh series.Kohli's gift to Akash Deep is a testament to the former's leadership qualities both on and off the field. The batting maestro has previously shown his generosity by gifting bats to rising stars like Rinku Singh, fostering a sense of mutual respect and support among the players.For Akash Deep, this act of kindness from one of India's greatest cricketers is a significant motivational boost as he prepares to make his mark in the upcoming series. The 27-year-old pacer has expressed his gratitude to Kohli on social media, marking a special moment in his career.Kohli's gesture not only inspires Akash Deep but also serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and support in the development of young athletes. As Akash Deep embarks on his journey in international cricket, he can draw inspiration from the guidance and encouragement of senior players like Virat Kohli.

Akash Deep, India's rising fast bowler, has expressed his admiration for pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, describing him as a "unique creation of God." Deep, who made his Test debut against England in February, has earned a spot in the Indian squad for the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai.Deep acknowledges the influence of various bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, but emphasizes that Bumrah's exceptional abilities are beyond his reach. "Bumrah bhai ko bhagwan ne alag hi bana k bheja hai (He has been uniquely crafted by God)," Deep said. "I can't learn everything from him."Reflecting on his experience under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, Deep praised the T20 World Cup-winning skipper for his ability to create a relaxed atmosphere in the dressing room. "He manages things so well, talks in a way that puts you at ease, and gives simple plans that make cricket easier," Deep said.Deep also expressed his excitement about working under new head coach Gautam Gambhir, who he believes will bring a fighting spirit to the team. "The way he fights for the game of cricket makes me feel like I'll really enjoy playing under his leadership as well," Deep said.In preparation for the Bangladesh series, Deep plans to focus on his strengths and bowl in good areas. "As a bowler, you can rely on your areas and strengths, which increases the chances of success and makes it easier to perform," he said.Deep acknowledges the challenges of red-ball cricket, emphasizing the importance of both physical and mental strength. "Red-ball cricket is tough for fast bowlers," he said. "If you can survive it, you can manage white-ball cricket as well."Deep draws inspiration from legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar, admiring his down-to-earth nature and unwavering motivation. "Sachin sir's down-to-earth nature has inspired me since childhood," Deep said.

The Indian cricket team has announced its squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on September 19. The squad features the return of Rishabh Pant and the inclusion of pacers Yash Dayal and Akash Deep.This two-Test series against Bangladesh marks the beginning of a busy season for India. Following the Bangladesh series, India will face New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia later this year. The performance of the team in the Bangladesh series will be crucial in preparing for these upcoming challenges.Brad Hogg, a member of Australia's 2003 and 2007 ODI World Cup-winning teams, has shared his thoughts on the likely playing XI for India in the first Test. Hogg believes that the team should field a lineup consisting of Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma as openers, followed by Gill, Kohli, and Jadeja. Sarfaraz Khan and Pant would then come in, with Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj, and Bumrah forming the bowling attack.Hogg believes that this team would also perform well in Australia, making the Bangladesh series an important warm-up for the upcoming summer. He also noted the absence of KL Rahul and Axar Patel in his proposed playing XI.The Indian squad for the first Test against Bangladesh is as follows:* Rohit Sharma (C)* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Shubman Gill* Virat Kohli* KL Rahul* Sarfaraz Khan* Rishabh Pant (WK)* Dhruv Jurel (WK)* R Ashwin* R Jadeja* Axar Patel* Kuldeep Yadav* Mohd. Siraj* Akash Deep* Jasprit Bumrah* Yash Dayal

Akash Deep, a rising star in Indian cricket, has drawn comparisons to the legendary Mohammed Shami due to his uncanny bowling style. With Shami sidelined by an ankle injury, Deep made his Test debut against England in February and has since impressed selectors with his ability to swing the ball both ways.Deep's bowling action, seam position, and compact follow-through mirror Shami's, leading to speculation that he has received guidance from his Bengal teammate. Deep confirmed these rumors, revealing that Shami has shared valuable insights on how to move the ball effectively.In the recent Duleep Trophy opener, Deep showcased his skills by dismissing Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy with first-rate deliveries that disturbed their off-stumps. His match haul of nine wickets (four for 60 and five for 56) highlighted his ability to trouble left-handed batters.Deep's success is particularly impressive considering he had only played one competitive match since his Test debut. He credits his performance to the practice games he played at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where he approached each game with the intensity of a real match.Despite his recent achievements, Deep remains grounded and focused on the process of bowling. He believes that getting wickets is a byproduct of executing his plans effectively. He also emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, recognizing that there is always room for growth.Deep's emergence as a potential successor to Shami is a testament to his talent and dedication. As he continues to gain experience and refine his skills, he has the potential to become a key figure in India's bowling attack for years to come.

Akash Deep's exceptional bowling performance has propelled India A to the brink of victory in the first-round match of the Duleep Trophy against India B. The right-arm pacer's five-wicket haul in the second innings has set India A a target of 275 to win with ample time remaining on the final day.Deep's dominance continued after his impressive four-wicket effort in the first innings. He ripped through India B's batting lineup, dismissing key batsmen and restricting them to a mere 184 runs. His match haul of nine wickets is a testament to his skill and consistency.The 27-year-old has made a significant impact in his nascent international career, having played one Test against England earlier this year. His fiery spell in Ranchi earned him three wickets, showcasing his potential as a formidable fast bowler.Deep's journey to the top has been marked by hard work and determination. After moving from Bihar to Kolkata, he grabbed attention in his second first-class match, taking six wickets against Gujarat. He finished the season with an impressive 35 wickets.His success extended to white-ball cricket, earning him an Indian Premier League contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2021. Since then, he has continued to impress with his pace and accuracy.India A will now look to capitalize on Deep's heroics and secure victory on the final day. The match promises to be an exciting contest, with India B needing to produce a remarkable batting performance to overcome the deficit.

Akash Deep's Heartwarming Gesture for Thirsty Fan Wins Hearts at Dharamsala TestDuring the recently concluded fifth and final Test match between India and England at the HPCA International Stadium in Dharamsala, pacer Akash Deep captured attention with a heartwarming gesture towards a thirsty fan.In a viral video, two fans can be heard requesting Akash for a bottle of water. After a moment of hesitation, the pacer decided to throw a bottle into the crowd, much to the delight of the fans. This incident occurred on the second day of the game.Akash's gesture received widespread applause from fans and commentators alike. It showcased his compassion and willingness to go the extra mile for his supporters. The video of the incident has been widely shared on social media, garnering praise for the young pacer.India Dominates England in Dharamsala TestIn the match itself, India emerged victorious by an innings and 64 runs, claiming the series 4-1. Ravichandran Ashwin was the star performer, picking up a match haul of nine wickets. The veteran spinner added five wickets in the second innings to his tally of four in the first, ensuring a memorable 100th Test appearance.England's batters struggled throughout the match, failing to cope with the Indian bowling attack. They were bowled out for 218 and 195 in their two innings, while India posted a formidable 477 on the same track.Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill scored centuries, while debutant Devdutt Padikkal, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sarfaraz Khan all contributed fifties. England's only bright spot was veteran seamer James Anderson, who became the first fast bowler in cricket history to claim 700 Test wickets.

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the fourth Test against England in Ranchi, and uncapped pace bowler Akash Deep has emerged as a strong contender to partner Mohammed Siraj in the playing XI. Deep has been impressive in the optional training sessions, showcasing his pace and accuracy. He was seen bowling at full intensity alongside his Bengal teammate Mukesh Kumar at the nets and also engaged in an extensive batting session on the eve of the Test.With India missing key players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer, they have been forced to hand debut caps to Rajat Patidar, Dhruv Jurel, and Sarfaraz Khan. The absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has also opened up a spot in the bowling attack, and Deep is eager to seize the opportunity.Home team batting coach Vikram Rathour praised Deep's skills, saying, "Anybody who gets into the Indian team has to be a special cricketer. He (looks) like a really good bowler who has done really well in domestic cricket. He has got a decent pace, bowls a good line, looks really good."The upcoming Test in Ranchi is expected to have overcast conditions and cooler temperatures compared to the previous venues. This shift in weather could favor the seamers, and Deep's pace and ability to bowl in-dippers could prove valuable. If selected, Deep would become the 313th Indian cricketer to represent the country in Test cricket.Mukesh Kumar, another pace-bowling option, is also in contention for a spot in the playing XI. He was released ahead of the third Test in Rajkot but is back in the mix for Ranchi. However, his lackluster performance in the second Test at Visakhapatnam, where he went wicketless in the first innings and conceded 44 runs in seven overs, may count against him.England, on the other hand, have finalized their playing XI, bringing back Ollie Robinson in place of Mark Wood. Robinson will partner with the experienced James Anderson, while Shoaib Bashir, Tom Hartley, and part-time bowler Joe Root will handle the spin duties.During the optional practice session, India had a light turnout, with only a few players participating in the nets. Shubman Gill, R Ashwin, Akash Deep, KS Bharat, Washington Sundar, and Devdutt Padikkal were among those who attended the session.India currently leads the five-Test series 2-1, and a win in Ranchi would give them an unassailable 3-1 lead. The match promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched teams.