India Coach Rahul Dravid’s Warm Remarks for Debutant Akash Deep, From Baddi to Ranchi

On Friday, during the fourth Test of the five-match series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, Akash Deep made his debut in style, taking three wickets before lunch.

Coach Rahul Dravid awarded 27-year-old Deep his maiden Test cap as the debutant’s mother looked on tearfully from the sidelines as he made an incredible start, replacing the rested Jasprit Bumrah.

“Akash, you left from somewhere called Baddi, which is around 200 kilometers distant from here (Ranchi). This path has been full with trials for you. You’ve put forth a lot of effort. You’ve had many highs and lows, Rahul Dravid said.

“You traveled alone from Baddi to Delhi in order to play cricket. The T20 World Cup of 2007 motivated you. You made the effort and remained in Delhi. Then you relocated from Delhi to Kolkata. You performed well when you played domestic cricket. You are going to get your India hat here (today) after traveling 200 kilometers from your home to Ranchi, Dravid said.

You get a unique sense since your mother and a few other family members are present. That your father and older brother have passed away is regrettable. However, we know that from wherever they are, they are blessing you. We at the crew are wishing you well. Enjoy this match and this time, please. This has been your dream, and you have worked very hard to get here. We are glad to be with you in order to realize your desire. Enjoy your career and these five days,” Dravid said.

Dravid said, “With great joy, I present to you India Cap No. 313,” as he gave Akash the cap.

Following the cancellation of his dismissal of England’s Zak Crawley due to a no-ball, Akash recovered to take three wickets before lunch, including Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Crawley.