Akash Deep's father would be proud wherever he is, says Aakash ...

India vs England: Akash Deep's father would be proud of him wherever he is, said former cricketer Aakash Chopra after Day 1 of the Ranchi Test match. Akash Deep produced a riveting display on his debut and picked 3 wickets in the morning session of play.

India's Akash Deep in action against England in Ranchi (Reuters)

After some strong shows on Day 1 of the match, Ranchi Test remained in balance between India and England. India's debutant Akash Deep impressed on the very first day as a Test cricketer, exacting a collapse in England's top order.

Akash Deep was nearly unplayable with the new ball as he fired deliveries at 140 KMPH and swung the ball into the right-hander. Akash's heroics saw England lose 5 wickets in the morning session. England lost 5 wickets for just 112 runs, but later recovered in the day, owing to a gritty century from Joe Root.

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Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra lauded the latest Indian pace sensation and credited him for doing well on his Test debut. Chopra, while speaking on his YouTube channel, said that Akash Deep's father would be happy wherever he was.

"I am sure that Akash Deep's father will be very happy wherever he is. His son has worked hard and achieved his dream of playing Test cricket. He has had a stunning start to his Test career. His movement, his pace, was something to watch out for," Aakash Chopra said after the end of the day's play on his YouTube channel.

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Akash Deep's journey to the highest level has been fraught with challenges. His father, who was a school teacher, did not want him to spend time playing cricket and instead focus on his academics. However, Akash always wanted to try his hand at the sport, a passion that was fuelled after he watched the T20 World Cup 2007 on TV in his hometown.

In 2010, a dreamy-eyed Akash moved from Bihar to Durgapur, West Bengal, to live with his uncle. This move was driven by his desire to pursue cricket seriously, a decision that came with its own set of challenges. Initially joining a local academy as a batter, Akash's growing stature soon had his coaches suggesting a pivot to fast bowling.

However, just as Akash began to find his footing in the world of cricket, tragedy struck. Within six months, he faced the devastating loss of his father to a paralytic attack followed by the death of his elder brother. The twin tragedies forced Akash to return to his village, putting a temporary halt to his cricketing aspirations and plunging him into deep grief.

Akash toiled for Bengal in the domestic circuit and finally got a call-up in the fourth Test match against England. The player is sharing the dressing room with fellow Bengal star - Mukesh Kumar.

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