Akash Deep picked 10/187 in India's 336-run win over England at Edgbaston.
Akhand Jyoti Singh, the sister of India fast bowler Akash Deep, reacted tearfully to her brother's valiant effort at Edgbaston. Akash Deep paid tribute to his sister, who has cancer, with his game-winning performance against England.
Jyoti disclosed that before the England tour, she encouraged Akash Deep to concentrate on playing for the nation and not to worry about her health. Jyoti expressed her happiness at Akash's performance, saying it made the whole family happy during difficult times.
Jyoti disclosed that she required an additional six months of treatment because her disease was in its third stage.
"It is a matter of pride for India - he has taken 10 wickets. Before the England tour, we went to meet him at the airport. I told him, 'I’m absolutely fine, don’t worry about me, just do well for the country.' I am in the third stage (of cancer), and the doctor has said the treatment will go on for six more months, after which we’ll see.
It makes me very happy when Akash takes wickets. Whenever he gets a wicket, all of us start clapping and cheering so loudly that the neighbors in the colony ask what has happened!" Akash Deep's sister told Aaj Tak.
Jyoti disclosed that no one was aware of her cancer diagnosis and that she was unaware that Akash had already announced on international television. In an emotional post-match interview, Akash Deep dedicated his first 10-wicket haul in Test cricket to her.
“I had no idea Akash would say something like that. Maybe we weren’t ready to talk about it publicly, but the way he became emotional and said it for me- dedicating it to me - it’s a big deal. It shows how much he loves our family and me. Given the situation at home, and still performing like that and taking wickets there, it’s a huge thing. I’m the one he is closest to,” she said.
In the 2025 IPL season, Akash Deep participated in six games for LSG and claimed three wickets.
“When the IPL was going on and he was playing for the Lucknow team, I was admitted to the hospital for cancer treatment. Even then, he would come to meet me either before or after the matches,” she added.
His sister revealed that she broke into tears after speaking to the pacer on video call after India's first-ever win at Edgbaston.
“After the match ended, we spoke twice over video call, and again at 5 a.m. Akash told me, ‘Don’t worry, the whole country is with us.’ He said, ‘I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I had been trying to, but yesterday I just couldn’t stop myself.
Such a brother is rare. He helps us a lot and doesn’t do anything without talking to us. He shares everything with the family. Since our father and eldest brother are no longer with us, he is the one now managing the whole household,” she added.
Akash has played eight Test matches so far and already has 25 wickets to his name. Akash Deep's sister revealed the pacer's words, where he had promised every bit of his success to his sister.
“During my cancer treatment, he was the one who motivated me the most. I would tell him not to worry, that I have my husband with me, but he would always say, ‘Everything I have is for my sisters and my family.’ We are three brothers and three sisters - one of them has passed away. Akash is the youngest.
Before and after every match, he makes sure to call home on video. He told me, ‘I did all this for you and the country. I took those wickets for you,’” Akash Deep's sister concluded.
When Akash Deep returns from the England trip, Jyoti states that she wants to express her love for him. She stated that she desired home-cooked meals for the pacer.
“When Akash used to come home, I would take food for him. When he comes again, I’ll cook whatever he asks for. He loves dahi vada made by me, and he really likes green vegetables. Whenever he comes home, he asks me to make those,” Jyoti concluded.
Akash Deep will likely be in action for India in the third Test against England at Lord’s that begins on July 10.
(Aaj Tak/India Today inputs)