Indian pacer Akash Deep has narrated the story about how he got one of Virat Kohli's signature bats, which helped him save the Gabba Test during the recently held Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under.

Akash played a crucial knock of 31 against Australia during the Gabba Test, which proved to be critical as the visitors were able to avoid the follow-on and eke out a draw in the rain-soaked match.

Akash had already got possession of one of Kohli's bats during the Bangladesh series at home, where he produced an entertaining cameo during the Kanpur Test.

Speaking to PTI, the right-arm seamer revealed that it was Kohli who approached him and asked if he needed a bat.

"Yes, that was Virat bhaiya's bat, the one with MRF logo, everyone knows. Bhaiyya (Kohli) ne khud mujhse pucha 'Tumko bat chahiye?' (Virat bhaiyya asked me, do you need a bat?)."

"Maine bola 'Haan bhaiyya, aapka bat kaun nahi lena chahega duniya mein?' (I said, yes. Who wouldn't want your bat.) Then he presented it to me," Akash said.

Akash Deep said he was a bit circumspect to ask Kohli for one of his bats, despite being teammates at RCB.

"I have been there with bhaiyya (Kohli) for some time now (they are teammates in Royal Challengers Bengaluru). But you always have that thing at the back of your mind, whether it is the right thing to ask for a bat from someone of Virat bhaiyya's stature."

"Especially during match time, when he is focussed and in his zone, you don't want to disturb him but bhaiyya, on his own, gave me the bat," he stated.

While Akash Deep’s effort with the bat helped India save the Brisbane Test, the tourists lost the next two matches in Melbourne and Sydney to concede the BGT 1-3 for the first time since 2014-15.