Akash Deep's stellar performance in India's recent Test victory against England at Edgbaston has been underscored by the revelation of his sister's battle with cancer and the support the family has received from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Akash Deep's childhood friend, Vaibhav Kumar, shared that the cricketer's sister, Akhand Jyoti Singh, has been undergoing treatment for cancer for the past two months and is currently in stable condition.
Vaibhav Kumar expressed gratitude towards the BCCI and the Lucknow team management for their crucial role in supporting Jyoti's treatment. He revealed that Jyoti was diagnosed with first-stage cancer and received treatment in Lucknow with doctors being called in from Mumbai. Vaibhav specifically mentioned the help from the team management in Lucknow, the BCCI, and even the Bengal team, where Akash Deep plays domestic cricket.
Akash Deep played a pivotal role in India's 336-run victory over England, securing a 10-wicket haul in the match. He took 4/88 in the first innings and followed it up with 6/99 in the second innings. After the match, Akash Deep dedicated his performance to his sister, Akhand Jyoti Singh. He revealed he had kept her illness private and wanted to bring a smile to her face with his performance. "The biggest thing is that I have not told anyone yet. My elder sister has been suffering from cancer for the last two months. She is stable now. She is fine. She will be the happiest," Akash Deep said in an emotional conversation with Cheteshwar Pujara. He further added, "I was playing this match for her. I have to make her happy with this match".
Akash Deep's sister, Jyoti, also spoke about her brother's performance and her cancer treatment. Speaking to Aajtak, she said that she had spoken to Akash Deep before the England tour and told him not to worry about her health and to focus on playing for the country. She mentioned that she is currently in the third stage of cancer and requires six more months of treatment. Jyoti expressed her happiness at Akash Deep's performance, stating that it brought joy to the entire family during a difficult time. "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," Jyoti said.
Jyoti also revealed that Akash Deep made sure to visit her in the hospital during the Indian Premier League (IPL) despite his busy schedule with the Lucknow Super Giants. She said, "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 meet me either before or after the matches".
Akash Deep's dedication to his sister and his emotional revelation have resonated with many, highlighting the personal challenges athletes often face. His performance and the support from the BCCI and his team management serve as an inspiring example of how sports and community can come together during difficult times.
