 "News of death from home! This player from Bihar kept playing in the Gaba after forgetting the pain, saved the honor of Team India, Ind Vs Aus News of death from home! This player from Bihar kept playing at the Gaba forgetting his sorrow, saving the honor of Team India – News-Patiala Punjabi")
A true sportsman is one who puts his duty first in all circumstances. The feeling of winning on the field and giving everything for the team, that is the true definition of the game. Akashdeep proved it with his performance. When the entire team was in a difficult situation, he not only carried the team with his play but also showed how it is possible to put aside personal pains and do one’s duty.
Akash Deep’s elder father Bhairondyal Singh (82) passed away on 11 December 2024, the day of Mokshada Ekadashi. There was an atmosphere of grief in the family and Akashdeep had a double responsibility in this time of grief. On one side was the duty to take care of one’s family and on the other was the weight of the country’s expectations. But he came to the field and proved that there is no greater sentiment than putting duty first.
Veteran batsmen fell one after another
At one time, during the GABA Test match between India and Australia in Bisbrain (December 14 to 18), Team India was in a lot of trouble. At one point it seemed almost impossible to avoid follow-on embarrassment. The veteran batsmen of the team, Yashaswi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and captain Rohit Sharma flopped one after the other. The team had lost 9 wickets and needed 33 runs to avoid the follow-on. Then Akashdeep and Jasprit Bumrah came to the crease.
Shows composure and courage at the crease
Both of them showed great composure and courage in this difficult time. Akashdeep not only showed patience on the field, but also got the team out of trouble with his batting. He delivered the moment with a crucial four, saving India from the follow-on. Their partnership of 47 runs not only changed the course of the match but also created a happy atmosphere in the dressing room. Players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir stood and saluted the duo of Akashdeep and Bumrah.
Keep the dreams alive
This partnership was not limited to saving the follow-on. This not only paved the way for the match to be drawn but also kept the dreams of the World Test Championship alive. Akashdeep and Bumrah showed that India’s tail-enders can also excel on big occasions. The performance was special for Akashdeep, as he did not let his personal grief dominate the field. This is an example of his indomitable courage and determination. His fighting spirit has been a source of inspiration for generations to come.