Dear Akash Deep,
There was a time when Bengal’s fast bowlers would clock up to 130 clicks per hours and that possibly would be it. Not even in the wildest of dreams did we imagine that there would be someone who would actually have the guts to rage upto 145 odd kays someday.
A lad hailing all the way from Sasaram in Bihar decided to try his luck for a club in Bengal. From tennis ball cricket to the ladders of IPL, the journey was one to remember. You know they say that the biggest loss to an individual is certainly that of one’s family. However, losing one’s dreams hits you harder than that.
It’s your dreams that keep you alive. It’s your hopes that keep you gunning for the stars. It’s your belief in yourself that tells you that no matter the odds, no matter the loss, you will survive.
Akash Deep, when you started bowling for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, the fans obviously had their doubts about you because you were being whacked left, right and center.
However, what they completely ignored was that when you switch threads, when you switch your bowling lengths and move onto getting the ball snaking around with the red cherry in your hand, it goes without a saying that you have been one of the finest hopes for Bengal.
From getting the ball to nip back in at razor-sharp speeds to testing the opposition with those nasty rib-rattlers, you were always meant for the red-ball format. The best part about your bowling is getting to hit those hard lengths that would trouble the batters at any point in time.
But truth be told, this is just the beginning. There is a long way for you to go and maybe you will not even be a part of the series against England. So please do not make it the bird’s eye. Go for it with all your heart and soul on the sidelines but ensure the fact that you are setting up realistic expectations.
The journey is long and it is just starting for you. Do not let the short term goals dictate your process. You are on the right path and good things will happen.
Yours sincerely,
A crazy cricket fan
