New Delhi: Team India pacer Akash Deep’s elder sister Akhand Jyoti Singh got emotional as she reacted to her brother’s heartfelt message for her amid her battle with cancer. Akash Deep starred in India’s historic 335-run victory against England in the 2nd Test at Edgbaston on Sunday with a ten-wicket match haul. The pacer dedicated his performance to his sister, who is suffering from cancer.
Akash Deep bagged his maiden Test fifer and finished with excellent figures of 6/99 to help India bundle out England for 271 runs in their 608-run chase in their second innings and secure their biggest away victory in Test cricket. Following his match-winning spell, Akash spoke about his sister’s battle with cancer in an emotional post-match interview at Edgbaston.
Reacting to her brother’s message, Jyoti said she was happy to see Akash take wickets and revealed the entire house celebrates whenever the pace grabs a wicket for India. She also revealed that her cancer is in its third stage and that she still needs six months of treatment. However, she told Akash Deep to not worry about her health and focus on doing well for the Indian team.
“It is a matter of pride for India – he has taken 10 wickets. Before the England tour, we went to meet him at the airport. I told him, ‘I’m absolutely fine, don’t worry about me, just do well for the country.’ I am in the third stage (of cancer), and the doctor has said the treatment will go on for six more months, after which we’ll see,” Akash Deep’s sister told India Today.
“It makes me very happy when Akash takes wickets. Whenever he gets a wicket, all of us start clapping and cheering so loudly that the neighbours in the colony ask what has happened,” she added.
Jyoti revealed she had no idea about Akash’s comments on global television about her battle with cancer, and her brother’s gesture of dedicating his performance to her was a big deal. She also shared that she shares a close bond with Akash, who is the youngest of his six siblings. Though his elder brother is no more.
“I had no idea Akash would say something like that. Maybe we weren’t ready to talk about it publicly, but the way he became emotional and said it for me- dedicating it to me – it’s a big deal. It shows how much he loves our family and me. Given the situation at home, and still performing like that and taking wickets there, it’s a huge thing. I’m the one he is closest to,” said Jyoti.