Akash Deep's journey to becoming a celebrated Indian cricketer is a testament to his unwavering determination and resilience in the face of immense hardship. His former coach, Arun Lal, recently revealed the stark reality of Akash's early struggles, shedding light on the difficult conditions he had to overcome to pursue his cricketing dream.

Lal recounted Akash's time living in a Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) dormitory, describing it as a "hellhole" where he feared people would succumb to disease. Despite the unbearable conditions, Akash never complained, focusing instead on honing his skills and pursuing his passion. Lal was amazed by Akash's ability to endure such hardship without a word of complaint. He described the dormitory as "unbearable" and expressed concern for the health of those living there.

Akash's dedication to cricket was evident in his rigorous training regimen. Even when in his village, surrounded by jungle, he would run up and down a mountain to train, showcasing his incredible work ethic. Lal emphasized Akash's exceptional physical and mental strength, noting that he was always stronger than his peers in the Bengal team. He also highlighted Akash's raw talent, recalling how he picked him for the team ahead of a first-class legend, facing scrutiny for his decision. Lal saw immense potential in Akash, recognizing his pace, stamina, and strength. He was particularly impressed by Akash's ability to swing the ball, a skill that proved lethal against top batsmen.

Akash's journey was also marked by personal tragedies. He lost his father and elder brother within six months of each other and faced financial setbacks that forced him to take a break from cricket to support his mother. More recently, he was seen googling for the best doctor for liver cancer in India to treat his elder sister. Despite these challenges, Akash never gave up on his dream. He returned to Durgapur, continued to pursue his passion, and eventually made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bengal in 2019.

Akash's perseverance and talent shone brightly during the second India vs England Test, where he took 10 wickets, leading India to a remarkable victory. His performance in the Edgbaston Test has solidified his place in the team, and he is expected to play in the third Test at Lord's. Akash's story is not just about cricketing success; it's a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and unwavering self-belief in the face of adversity. He loves singing old songs and his favorite is Mohammed Rafi's “Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya,” a song he would listen to on loop during his struggling days.