Akash Deep recounted his unforgettable encounter with cricket icon Virat Kohli, who surprised him by offering his bat before the Chennai Test against Bangladesh.
The young Indian pacer, who has played alongside Kohli for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in recent IPL seasons, received a remarkable gift from his senior teammate before the opening Test match. Known for his great rapport with younger players, Kohli frequently mentors them, sharing invaluable insights about the game both on and off the field.
At 35, Kohli took note of Akash's batting practice in the nets and decided to present him with his own bat. Akash shared with the Times of India how this unexpected gesture left him in awe. "Virat bhaiya himself came to me and asked, 'Do you need a bat?' I never asked for it. Who wouldn’t want a bat from such a legend? I was over the moon to hear that from him and was thrilled at the prospect of receiving it. He even inquired about the bat I typically use, and I just smiled—words eluded me. Then he said, 'Here, take this bat,'" Akash recounted.
The 27-year-old plans to keep the bat as a cherished keepsake, refusing to use it in games since it holds immense sentimental value. "I will never play with that bat; it’s a significant gift from Virat bhaiya, and I intend to display it on my wall as a souvenir. Plus, I got his autograph on it," he expressed.
In the meantime, Akash made a notable impact in the first innings against Bangladesh in Chennai, claiming two wickets in consecutive deliveries, significantly weakening the opposition’s batting order. He also contributed a valuable 17 runs lower down the order and has successfully retained his spot in the squad for the upcoming second Test in Kanpur.