Indian pacer Akashdeep performed exceptionally well in the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham. He took a 10-wicket haul for the first time in England and dedicated it to her sister.
He made a public revelation that his sister has been battling cancer following which his sister Jyoti speaking to India Today opened about the revelation. She mentioned about her battle with third stage cancer and how Akashdeep has been managing the household since his brother and father passed away.
Akashdeep’s 10-Wicket Haul
“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 laughed.
Akashdeep’s Sister Stunned After His Public Revelation
“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,” she said.
Struggle With Cancer
“When the IPL was going on and he was playing for the Lucknow team, I was admitted to the hospital for cancer treatment. Even then, he would come meet me either before or after the matches,” Akash Deep’s sister said.
Akashdeep’s Sister Gets Emotional
“After the match ended, we spoke twice over video call, and again at 5 a.m. in the morning. Akash told me, ‘Don’t worry, the whole country is with us.’ He said, ‘I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I had been trying to, but yesterday I just couldn’t stop myself.'”
“Such a brother is rare. He helps us a lot and doesn’t do anything without talking to us. He shares everything with the family. Since our father and eldest brother are no longer with us, he is the one now managing the whole household,” she added.