Akash Deep's match-winning performance in the second Test against England at Edgbaston was fueled by a powerful message from his sister, Akhand Jyoti Singh, who is battling cancer. Before he left for the England tour, she told him, "I'm absolutely fine, don't worry about me, just do well for the country".
Akash Deep delivered a stunning performance, claiming 10 wickets in the match and helping India secure a historic 336-run victory, their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston. He picked up 4 wickets in the first innings and followed it up with a 6-wicket haul in the second innings. His exceptional bowling not only set a new benchmark for the best bowling figures by an Indian in a Test in England, surpassing Chetan Sharma's 10/188 from 1986, but also made Akash only the second Indian pacer to achieve a 10-wicket match haul in the country. He also became the first bowler in 49 years to dismiss four of England's top five batters in an innings on his own.
Following the memorable win, an emotional Akash Deep dedicated his performance to his sister. "I have not told this to anyone. My elder sister has been suffering from cancer for the last two months. She is now stable, and she is fine. I think she will be the happiest (seeing my performance). I want to dedicate this match to her. I wanted to see a smile on her face," Akash said after the game. He added an emotional message for her: "This is for you. Whenever I held the ball in my hand, your face was in my mind. I want to see happiness in your face. We are all with you".
Akhand Jyoti Singh reacted tearfully to her brother's performance. She revealed that she is in the third stage of cancer and requires an additional six months of treatment. Despite her condition, she was present at the airport to encourage Akash before his England tour. "It is a matter of pride for India - he has taken 10 wickets," she said. "It makes me very happy when Akash takes wickets. Whenever he gets a wicket, all of us start clapping and cheering so loudly that the neighbours in the colony ask what has happened!".
Jyoti disclosed that no one was aware of her cancer diagnosis and that she was unaware that Akash had already announced it on international television. “I had no idea Akash would say something like that. Maybe we weren't ready to talk about it publicly, but the way he became emotional and said it for me- dedicating it to me - it's a big deal. It shows how much he loves our family and me. Given the situation at home, and still performing like that and taking wickets there, it's a huge thing. I'm the one he is closest to,” she said.
Akash Deep's journey to international cricket has been fraught with challenges. In 2015, he lost both his father and elder brother within six months. This forced him to step away from cricket for three years to support his family. He overcame these tragedies and career-threatening injuries to dedicate his performance to his sister.
Akash Deep's sister revealed that during her cancer treatment, which included hospitalization during the IPL season, Akash made sure to visit her before or after his matches. After India's win at Edgbaston, they spoke twice over video call, and Akash reassured her, "Don't worry, the whole country is with us,".
Akash Deep's performance at Edgbaston is a testament to his skill, resilience, and the unwavering support of his family, especially his sister. His story is an inspiration to many, demonstrating the power of family and the ability to overcome adversity.
