England need just 21 more runs to claim the series 3-1, while India are three wickets away from drawing level at 2-2. The match is delicately poised, and every player will have a role to play, especially someone like Deep, who has already left his mark on the game
Akash Deep (Photo: Akash Deep Instagram/AFP)
With the final day of the fifth Test at The Oval shaping up to be a nerve-wracking conclusion to a fiercely contested India vs England series, India’s young fast bowler Akash Deep turned to faith ahead of what could be the most defining day of his career.
England need just 21 more runs to claim the series 3-1, while India are three wickets away from drawing level at 2-2. The match is delicately poised, and every player will have a role to play, especially someone like Deep, who has already left his mark on the game.
The Bengal pacer posted a photo on his Instagram story early Monday. The image showed him taking part in a pooja ceremony, dressed in traditional attire with folded hands, bowing before a priest mid-ritual. While the team prepares in the dressing room with game plans and strategy, Deep has clearly sought strength from a spiritual source as well.
Akash Deep's Instagram story
The 27-year-old pacer has been one of the surprise packages of the match. In just his 10th Test appearance, he has played a vital all-round role. Sent in as a nightwatchman, Deep responded with a gutsy 66 in India’s second innings, showing composure and discipline far beyond his role. His knock helped stretch India’s lead and frustrated the English bowlers during a crucial phase.
With the ball, he made his presence felt at a pivotal moment. Harry Brook, who was threatening to take the game away from India with a sparkling 111, was dismissed by Akash, who delivered a much-needed breakthrough. It was a turning point that brought India back into the contest after a mammoth 195-run partnership between Brook and Joe Root had taken England close to the finish line.
At stumps on Day 4, England were 339 for 6 in pursuit of 374. With both set batters gone and Chris Woakes unlikely to bat due to a shoulder injury, the responsibility falls on India’s pace trio, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Deep, to run through the tail.
The match is hanging by a thread, with rain looming as a possible spoiler. But if play resumes, Deep looks ready, not just with his seam and swing, but with calmness drawn from faith. His quiet poise off the field may well mirror his resolve on it, as India push for a dramatic series-saving win.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
