Akash Deep's mother Laduma Devi reveals how she secretly sent Akash to play and pursue his cricket dream

Akash Deep picked three wickets in the first innings of his debut test match in Ranchi.

India’s newest fast bowler Akash Deep may not have had his father’s blessings at the start of his international cricketing journey, but he had a silent supporter in his mother, Laduma Devi. In a heartwarming interview, Laduma revealed how she secretly supported Akash’s passion for the sport, becoming his “partner in crime” in the process.

The JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi witnessed the birth of a new Indian star. On Friday, February 23rd, Bengal pacer Akash Deep earned his Indian test cap.

The 27-year-old pacer, made his debut against England in the ongoing 4th Test where he showcased his talent with a fiery spell, claiming three crucial wickets (Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley) which left a significant mark on the opening day of the crucial Ranchi game.

“I was his partner in crime:” Akash Deep’s mother

Akash Deep’s father reportedly desired a government job for his son, while Akash wanted a career on the cricket field. Akash’s mother Laduma Devi, understood her son’s passion, and despite social pressures she used to send Akash’s secretly to play cricket matches.

“His father always wished for him to become a government officer, but cricket was his true passion, and I was his partner in crime. I would secretly send him to play cricket and help him pursue his dream. During that time, if someone heard that your son was playing cricket, they would say ‘yeh toh awara mawwali hi banega (he is spoilt and will become a rogue). But we had the faith in him and didn’t let him give up despite losing my malik (husband) and beta (son) in six months,” Devi was quoted as saying by PTI.

In a touching tribute, debutant pacer Akash Deep dedicated his performance in Ranchi against England to his late father. The Bengal pacer also described his entry into the longest format as a very emotional moment.

The right-arm speedster Akash also opened up, saying that the loss of his father and brother in the same year led him to focus more on his life, which ultimately led him to choose cricket as his career option.

Akash Deep’s mother expressed profound pride, and opened up that if they were alive today, his father and brother would be filled with immense joy.

“If his father and brother were alive today, they would be brimming with joy. This is the life’s most memorable day and only few are lucky to see it. I’m the proudest mom on this earth. Sab bolte hain, padhoge likhoge banoge nawab; kheloge, kudoge banoge kharab. Yeh toh ulta ho gaya. (They say those who study become kings, and those who play end up spoilt. But it’s the opposite in our case),” she added.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.