A homecoming like a dream: Akash Deep rides in an open jeep, showered with flowers as people revere their hero | WATCH

The Oval Test will go down as one of India's most hard-fought victories in recent memory, a tense six-run win that levelled the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2. For Akash Deep, the whole series played out like a fairytale — he is now Indian cricket’s latest sensation!

The young cricketer notably received a hero’s welcome on his return home after playing a pivotal role in India’s away series. A video shared by the Lucknow Super Giants on X captured the heartwarming moment, showing Akash riding in an open jeep, showered with flowers and greeted by cheering crowds. His impactful performances sparked national pride, especially in his hometown, where celebrations reflected the community's deep admiration.

Recalling the mindset when India took the field on the last day of the final Test, Akash said to Boria Majumdar on Revsportz, "We were bowling on the second day when the wicket was not much help and there was no movement. Our belief was that England is such a team where if you can break partnerships and take 1-2 wickets, then they give you wickets in bunches, and come under pressure. The way they were playing, I felt it would have been very stressful for them to bat under pressure and win the match from there. So, our plan was to just bowl in the right areas and they were under pressure. So, overall it worked out.”
The rest is history now.

The ‘real’ impact

Despite missing the first Test, Akash made an immediate mark in Birmingham, taking a 10-wicket haul that shifted the series momentum in India’s favour. He went on to claim 13 wickets overall, regularly dismantling England’s top order with his pace and accuracy. His partnership with Mohammed Siraj formed a potent pace attack for India. However, it was his unexpected heroics with the bat that stood out. Promoted as a nightwatchman at The Oval, he scored a gritty 66 off 94 balls, forging a crucial 131-run partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal. This effort literally helped India secure a dramatic six-run win in the final Test.

Gautam bhai always tells me 'you are not aware of your own talent’

A coach who believed in him more than himself, a captain who supported when the chips were down and conditions that felt more like home than away -- Indian pacer Akash deep says his maiden but impactful tour of England was rather smooth.

A 10-wicket match-haul in one game and a very important half-century in another, both in winning causes, summed up Akash Deep's performance that has made him an overnight star but he can't forget what head coach Gautam Gambhir told him after his 66 at the Oval.

"Tumko khud pata nahi tum kya kar sakte ho (You aren't aware of your capabilities). 'See, I was telling you, you can do it. You have to play with this dedication always'," the 29-year-old recollected in an interview to PTI.

"Gautam bhai is a very passionate coach. He always motivates us. He believes in me more than I believe in myself, both in my batting and bowling," he gushed after having earned the vote of confidence from his coach.

Having made his Test debut under Rohit Sharma and now playing under Shubman Gill, the adjustment has been easy for the Bengal speedster, who terms the new skipper as someone who is calm yet brimming with on-field ideas.

"He is a very good captain. It's not like he is a new captain. He has already been an IPL captain for a couple of years, which is a big platform. That experience does count," he said.

"With Shubman as captain, I didn't feel like I was playing for the first time. He's very supportive. When a captain supports you and understands things well, especially when you are down, it makes a big difference.

In short, the future looks nothing but bright for the young Indian cricketer. (With inputs from Agencies)