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Before the start of the Bangladesh Test series, Indian pacer Akash Deep experienced a moment of joy that he will cherish for years. The legendary Virat Kohli, a stalwart of Indian cricket, surprised Akash Deep by gifting him a bat.
Virat Kohli’s unprompted generosity
After that, Akash Deep was quick to share his gratitude on social media, making this heartfelt moment even more memorable. In a delightful expression of gratitude, Akash took to Instagram to share the significance of Kohli’s gesture. He posted a story that simply read, “Thanq bhaiya @virat.kohli,” encapsulating his appreciation for the legendary cricketer. This post resonated with fans and teammates alike, showcasing the bond between seasoned players and newcomers.
Akash Deep reveals his stance
In a recent interview with the Times of India, Akash Deep recounted how he was genuinely taken aback by Kohli’s kind gesture. The moment unfolded when Kohli knocked on the speedster’s hotel room door and inquired if he needed a bat. The 27-year-old revealed that he hadn’t requested one; instead, Kohli’s offer stemmed from his own observation of Akash’s batting prowess.
Overwhelmed with emotion, he vowed to keep the bat as a precious souvenir rather than using it in matches. Akash cherished the opportunity to request Kohli’s autograph, which the cricketing icon graciously provided. He plans to display the bat on his wall as a constant reminder of this incredible moment and the support he has received from a legend of the game.
“Virat bhaiya ne khud se bat diya tha [Virat bhaiya himself gave me the bat]. He must have observed something about my batting. I didn’t ask for it; he came to me and asked, ‘Bat chahiye Kya tujhe?’ Who wouldn’t want a bat from Virat bhaiya? He is a legend. I was very happy to hear his words and wanted that bat. He asked me what kind of bat I use while batting, and I just smiled—I didn’t have words. Then he said, ‘Yeh le, rakh le yeh bat.’ I will never play with that bat; it is a big gift from Virat bhaiya, and I will keep it as a souvenir on the wall of my room. I even got his autograph on the bat,” Akash Deep said.
Also READ: Here are the updated WTC 2023-25 standings after India’s victory over Bangladesh in the 1st Test
Rise in Indian cricket
Akash Deep has made significant strides in his cricketing career, having made his Test debut in the home series against England earlier this year. In his inaugural match, he showcased his talent by taking key wickets, including that of established batters like Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope.
In the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh, Akash Deep has continued to impress with his performances. During the first Test in Chennai, he delivered a standout performance, claiming figures of 2/19 in just five overs. His dismissals of Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque, both achieved in consecutive deliveries, demonstrated his skill in exploiting the weaknesses of the opposition. His contributions played a pivotal role in India’s commanding 280-run victory, further solidifying his place in the squad.
