n the rugged terrain of Indian cricket, where stories of struggle and triumph intertwine, Akash Deep’s journey stands as a beacon of resilience. A right-arm fast bowler from Bihar’s hinterlands, Akash has defied odds, poverty, and personal tragedy to emerge as Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) pace spearhead. From bowling with taped tennis balls to sharing the dressing room with Virat Kohli, this is the saga of India’s most underrated pace prodigy.
Early Life: The Boy from Sasaram
Born on December 15, 1996, in Sasaram, Bihar, Akash Deep’s childhood was steeped in adversity. His father, a farmer, passed away when Akash was 12, forcing him to abandon school and work odd jobs. Cricket became his escape, practicing with a homemade ball on paddy fields.
Key Early Struggles:
- 2012: Worked as a construction laborer in Durgapur, West Bengal, earning ₹200/day.
- 2014: Joined a local club in Durgapur, walking 7 km daily for net sessions.
- 2016: Lost his elder brother to illness, dedicating his career to his memory.
Domestic Career: Bengal’s Pace Warrior
Akash’s move to Bengal in 2018 marked his rise from obscurity to prominence.
Domestic Stats (2018–2024)
| Tournament | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranji Trophy | 32 | 112 | 23.45 | 3.12 | 7/58 vs Mumbai |
| Vijay Hazare Trophy | 24 | 44 | 28.90 | 4.85 | 5/32 vs Karnataka |
| Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy | 28 | 39 | 20.75 | 7.60 | 4/14 vs Punjab |
Breakthrough Moments:
- 2019–20 Ranji Trophy: Topped Bengal’s bowling charts with 35 wickets.
- 2022 Syed Mushtaq Ali: Hat-trick vs Jharkhand, clocking 145 kph.
- 2024 Ranji Final: Match-winning 8/62 vs Saurashtra, earning national attention.
IPL Journey: RCB’s Diamond in the Rough
Akash’s IPL debut came in 2022 after RCB signed him as a net bowler.
IPL Career Stats (2022–2024)
| Season | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures | Dot Ball % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 3 | 28.00 | 9.33 | 2/40 vs CSK | 34% |
| 2023 | 7 | 9 | 26.11 | 8.45 | 3/28 vs MI | 38% |
| 2024 | 12 | 15 | 21.20 | 8.10 | 4/22 vs GT | 42% |
2024 IPL Highlights:
- vs GT, Chinnaswamy: Dismissed Shubman Gill and David Miller in a fiery spell.
- Death Overs: Took 8 wickets in overs 17–20 at 9.2 economy.
- Speed: Consistently clocked 140–145 kph, with a fastest of 148.6 kph.
IPL 2025: The ₹3 Crore Retention
Post his 2024 breakout, RCB retained Akash for ₹3 crore – a 500% hike from his 2022 salary.
IPL Salary Evolution
| Year | Team | Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | RCB | 20 lakh |
| 2023 | RCB | 50 lakh |
| 2025 | RCB | 3 crore |
Net Worth & Endorsements: The Grounded Millionaire
As of July 2024, Akash Deep’s net worth is estimated at ₹5–6 crore, driven by cricket contracts and regional endorsements.
Net Worth Breakdown
| Source | Estimated Earnings (INR) |
|---|---|
| IPL Salary (2022–25) | ₹3.7 crore |
| Domestic Cricket | ₹1.2 crore |
| Endorsements | ₹50 lakh |
| Investments | ₹60 lakh (Family home in Bihar) |
Brand Partnerships:
- SG Cricket: Uses their Xtreme bowling shoes.
- Bihar Tourism: Ambassador for “Visit Sasaram” campaigns.
- Royal Stag: Features in ads highlighting his grassroots journey.
Personal Life: Roots Over Glitz
Akash lives with his mother and sister in a renovated Sasaram home. His pre-match ritual includes eating litti chokha and visiting his father’s grave.
Off the Field:
- Philanthropy: Funds cricket kits for 10 village academies in Bihar.
- Hobbies: Kabaddi player, participates in local tournaments.
- Education: Completed BA via correspondence; mentors underprivileged kids.
In a 2024 interview, he shared: “I play for those who dream beyond farmlands. Every wicket is a tribute to my brother.”
The Akash Deep Method: Skill Meets Heart
Analysts credit his success to:
- Seam Mastery: Generates late swing with a upright seam position.
- Variations: Disguised slower balls and pinpoint yorkers.
- Fitness: Yoga and swimming regimen to maintain 145+ kph speeds.
RCB coach Andy Flower notes: “Akash’s journey humbles us all. He bowls like every delivery could change his life.”
Future Prospects: The India Cap Beckons
At 27, Akash is in his prime:
- India A: Took 5/44 vs England Lions in a 2024 warm-up.
- Test Ambitions: Training with Bharat Arun to refine red-ball skills.
- IPL 2025: Targeting 20+ wickets to stake national team claim.
Why Akash Deep Matters
In an era of IPL glitz, Akash embodies cricket’s soul – raw, relentless, and rooted. His journey from Bihar’s paddy fields to RCB’s pace attack isn’t just inspirational; it’s a testament to the power of unyielding dreams.
Final Word
Akash Deep’s story is etched in sweat and soil. Whether he’s rattling stumps at 145 kph, building homes for his family, or coaching village kids, he carries the hopes of every underdog. As IPL 2025 dawns, the boy from Sasaram isn’t just chasing wickets – he’s redefining what’s possible
Cricket isn’t just a sport; it’s a playground for stories, and I’m here to tell them with humor, creativity, and a touch of flair. Whether it’s the thrill of an IPL last-over finish or the quirks of a rising star, my words bring the game alive for the next-gen audience. Like an unorthodox stroke that surprises the bowler, my take on cricket is anything but predictable. And if you ask what’s on my mind—well, cricket, always cricket! 🏏🔥
