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The Ranchi Test between India and England unfolded with an air of anticipation as the hosts aimed to clinch the series while the visitors sought to level the leg and keep their hopes alive. The absence of Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah raised some concerns among fans, but the excitement soared as young pacer Akash Deep made his debut. The 4th Test turned out to be a memorable affair for the youngster as he stole the spotlight with a remarkable performance, bagging quick wickets that left netizens ecstatic.
A dream debut for Akash Deep
Akash’s journey to the international stage began with a heartfelt moment as he received his maiden cap from the legendary Indian cricketer and current head coach of the side, Rahul Dravid. The young pacer also received words of wisdom from Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, creating an emotional atmosphere. With his family present on the occasion, Akash was all set to make his debut a memorable one.
No-ball drama and a sensational comeback
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the English side aimed to capitalize on the pitch conditions. But Akash had other plans as he gave India an early breakthrough. However, his dream start was briefly halted when his initial wicket celebration was cut short due to a no-ball.
Despite missing his maiden wicket by inches, destiny still seemed to favour the debutant as he quickly rebounded and went on to pick three wickets in rapid succession, including the crucial dismissals of Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Zak Crawley – all prolific run-scorers in previous matches.
WWW 🤝 Akash Deep!
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/FUbQ3Mhpq9#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/YANSwuNsG0
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 23, 2024
Also READ: Wasim Akram makes a clever remark on Yashasvi Jaiswal matching his record for most sixes in a Test inning
Akash’s impactful bowling performance
Akash’s ability to dismiss established batters showcased his talent and temperament on the grand stage. Hailing from a small town in Bihar and making his way to Bengal to pursue cricket, Akash’s inspiring journey and hard work resonated with fans and experts alike. His impactful bowling and sensational debut not only bolstered India’s position in the Ranchi Test but also earned him accolades for stepping up in the absence of senior pacers.
Social Media buzz
Netizens flooded social media platforms with praises and congratulatory messages for Akash’s stellar performance and dram debut. Many veteran cricketers and experts also joined in to celebrate the emergence of a promising young talent in the Indian bowling arsenal.
Here’s how netizens reacted:
Congratulations Akash deep ! Best wishes 👍 https://t.co/3n5GaHfnsC
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) February 23, 2024
This is as sensational a debut as you can imagine from Akash Deep. Nippy, moves the ball both ways off the seam and disciplined with length. Fabulous to watch
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 23, 2024
So happy for akashdeep , have seen him from his very early days from playing ranji trophy and giving his heart out , a very fit guy who can bowl long spells , can bat too and is a good fielder as well. India must use him in overseas conditions . #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/UnBsjJgbev
— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) February 23, 2024
Akash Deep woke up and decided to choose violence on his debut. 4 wickets in his spell with Duckett, Pope & Crawley (x2). Just 1 hour into the test match and adhukulla, WWE JR commentary style la solnum na, "HE'S BROKEN THE GAME IN HALF. HE'S BROKEN HIM IN HALF"! You beauty! pic.twitter.com/LALCKOa9VZ
— Srini Mama (@SriniMaama16) February 23, 2024
Captain Rohit Sharma congratulating Akash Deep when he gets his Test Cap for India.
– This is beautiful from Captain Rohit. pic.twitter.com/QrMFvgAkDI
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) February 23, 2024
RCB's own, now ready to own the international stage 🫶
Our first-ever captain handing over the maiden 🇮🇳 cap to our lad made this even better 🥹❤️🔥
📸: BCCI #PlayBold #TeamIndia #INDvENG #AkashDeep pic.twitter.com/gvFRIYJi1K
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 23, 2024
Akash Deep bro will never forget this debut. Bro is already flying. pic.twitter.com/Cxc63zrOwY
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) February 23, 2024
Akash Deep is doing a Scott Boland in Ranchi & statues generally get built faster in India. Maybe they’re already building one for him while Boland waits for his at the ‘G. And so they should. What a maiden spell. Has to be among the best ever for India #IndvEng
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 23, 2024
WHAT A DEBUT FOR AKASH DEEP. !
HE WILL NEVER FORGET THIS DAY. pic.twitter.com/7omK7oW7r4
— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) February 23, 2024
🔝3⃣, done and dusted 🔥
Now that's some start from the debutant Akash Deep 😎💪 pic.twitter.com/h68qs3OeAF
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) February 23, 2024
Three back to back wickets on the debut for Akashdeep. Yet again RCB blood at his best ❤️ pic.twitter.com/EUEPoEL0Xp
— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) February 23, 2024
Caught behind 🤝 LBW 🤝 Timber 💥
Top morning for the debutant! 🫡#AkashDeep #INDvENGpic.twitter.com/5ZFbuN2okA
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 23, 2024
An Indian fast bowler ripping through a top order on the opening morning of a home Test on a surface everyone thinks will turn. What joy. Bowled, Akash Deep.
— Shashank Kishore (@captainshanky) February 23, 2024