EXCLUSIVE | Akash Deep received England Test tour inclusion news while at hospital with cancer-stricken sister | Cricket News

Akash Deep took 10 wickets in the course of the second England vs India Test at Edgbaston. (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: “My sister has most cancers, and I need to dedicate this win to her,” stated an emotional Akash Deep after India’s resounding 336-run victory over England within the second Test at Edgbaston on Sunday.Despite battling private disaster, which has been a narrative of his life, the Indian pacer stored his feelings underneath wraps — even from his U-19 coach and mentor, former Bengal cricketer Saurasish Lahiri, whom he treats like an elder brother. Akash prioritised nationwide responsibility and delivered a spectacular efficiency to script one in every of India’s most memorable abroad wins. He had a Test match to recollect, claiming 10/187 — one of the best figures by an Indian bowler in England.His sister, Akhand Jyoti Singh, was admitted to a hospital in the course of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Roped in by the Lucknow Super Giants, Akash was recovering from a stress fracture at the beginning of the season. Amid his personal harm struggles, he took the lead in getting his sister admitted, consulting docs, and dealing with hospital formalities.

In reality, Akash Deep was at the hospital, filling out paperwork for his sister, when his telephone rang — bringing news of his choice for the England tour.Even then, Akash selected to remain silent and did not rejoice. He stayed targeted on what mattered most in that second — being there for his sister.“I was watching the match and I was elated when India won. I started doing my other activities at home. As soon as Akash Deep came on the television screen with (Cheteshwar) Pujara [for the post-match interactions], I sat down and started listening to the conversation. I was really shocked. He didn’t tell this big thing to anyone — not even me. I am so close to him, but he didn’t share this. In fact, I called him after he claimed four wickets in the first innings. I was happy, but I said, ‘Panja (five wickets) kab karega?’ He said, ‘Sir, main pakka karke dikhaunga.’ (I asked him when he would take a five-wicket haul. He said he would definitely do it),” Lahiri instructed TimesofIndia.com in an unique interview.

“I called him after the match. I was a little unhappy with him — he used to share everything with me. Akash told me he was going through a family crisis during that phase of the IPL. In fact, he found out that he was in the India squad for the England tour while he was with his sister at the hospital, sitting by her bedside.“I additionally keep in mind, a couple of months again, his brother-in-law — who lives in Pune — was affected by a really critical nerve-related illness. Akash was instrumental in getting him the fitting remedy. He took him to Mumbai, spent hours within the hospital, night time after night time. He’s higher now, fortunately. But his sister’s sickness got here as a whole shock to me. Luckily, God has been type. She was identified early and is being handled nicely. Hopefully, by God’s grace and all our blessings, she is going to get better totally. And after all, the best way Akash is performing, that makes her even happier.“Akash Deep was so emotional on the call. He said he did everything he could to put things in place for his sister. At the time, he was packing his bags from Birmingham to London. He was very, very happy. But he is a very stable-headed guy — very humble, very down to earth,” Lahiri stated referring to Lord’s being the staff’s subsequent vacation spot.

Akash Deep celebrates after taking the wicket of Brydon Carse on Day 5 of the Second Test Match towards England. (Getty Images)

For Akash Deep, life throughout that part revolved round simply two issues — recovering from a stress fracture and taking good care of his sister’s remedy.The India pacer had by no means heard of a stress fracture earlier than. Confused and anxious, he instantly referred to as his mentor, Saurasish Lahiri, and requested, “Dada, ye stress fracture kya hai?” [What is this stress fracture?]“I was working with the Centre of Excellence (CoE) when Akash came in for rehabilitation. I was also involved with the high-performance camps there. When he was doing his rehab, I was present. We never let a player leave until he is fully fit — that’s the standard we follow,” Lahiri stated.“Initially, he didn’t even know what a stress fracture was. So, we assessed him, and the physio said it would take quite some time for it to heal and for him to recover. During that journey, I got a lot of help from many people who supported me in taking Akash to different venues where we were playing pre-season matches — even though he was rested and still recovering.