Akash Deep's remarkable 10-wicket haul at Edgbaston not only secured a historic win for India against England but also became a deeply personal moment for the young pacer and his family. Following India's emphatic 336-run victory, which leveled the series 1-1, Akash revealed in a post-match interview that his elder sister had been diagnosed with cancer two months prior. This revelation added a layer of emotional depth to his outstanding performance, turning a sporting achievement into a heartfelt dedication to his sister's strength and resilience.
Akash's sister, Akhand Jyoti Singh, who is battling the third stage of cancer, spoke about the immense pride she felt watching her brother's performance. She revealed that she had met with Akash before he left for the England tour and told him not to worry about her health but to focus on playing well for the country. Despite her illness, she and her family celebrated every wicket he took, their cheers loud enough to draw the attention of their neighbors.
Akhand Jyoti disclosed that she was previously unaware that Akash would share her diagnosis publicly. She was deeply touched by his emotional dedication. "I didn't expect Akash to say something like that," she said. "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".
After the match, Akash Deep made sure to connect with his sister, calling her twice over video call and again at 5 a.m.. During these conversations, he shared words of encouragement and support, telling her, "Don't worry, the whole country is with us". He explained that he could no longer contain his emotions and had to share what was in his heart. According to Akhand Jyoti, Akash is exceptionally supportive, always consulting his family before making decisions and sharing everything with them. Since the passing of their father and elder brother, Akash has taken on the responsibility of managing the household, further highlighting his dedication to his family.
Akash Deep's decision to dedicate his performance to his sister resonated with fans and teammates alike. He had kept his sister's illness private, playing with the singular mission of bringing her joy. In his heartfelt conversation with Cheteshwar Pujara after the match, Akash said, "The biggest thing is that I have not told anyone yet... My elder sister has been suffering from cancer for the last two months... I was playing this match for her. I have to make her happy with this match". He also shared a personal message for his sister, saying, "Behen yeh tumare liye hai (Sister, 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".
Akash Deep's remarkable performance at Edgbaston will be remembered not only for his outstanding bowling but also for the emotional story behind it. His dedication to his sister serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of family, love, and resilience in the face of adversity.
