Indian pacer Akash Deep has revealed how Virat Kohli played an important role in helping the team avoid relegation during the Gabba Test in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Akash Deep shared an unforgettable moment when Virat Kohli offered him one of his signature bats during the third Test.
The Men in Blue initially took a 1-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a convincing win in Perth, but Australia regained control over the next six weeks. The hosts won three of the remaining four matches and reclaimed the BGT trophy after a decade of India’s dominance in the series.
Virat Bhaiya Ne Khud Mujhse Pucha, ‘Tumko Bat Chahiye?’ – Akash Deep
During a challenging match at the Gabba in Brisbane, Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah shared a crucial 47-run partnership for the tenth wicket, helping India avoid a follow-on and securing a draw in rain-soaked conditions.
Looking back on his innings, Akash Deep revealed that he used one of Virat Kohli’s bats, which the former Indian captain offered him before the match. Akash recalled how Kohli asked him if he needed a bat, which he readily accepted.
“Yes, it was Virat bhai’s bat, the one with the MRF logo, everyone knows,” Akash said while talking to PTI.
“Bhaiyya (Kohli) ne khud mujhse pucha ‘Tumko bat chahiye?” (Virat bhaiyya asked me, do you need a bat?) Maine bola ‘Haan bhaiyya, aapka bat kaun nahi lena chahega duniya mein?’ (I said ‘Yeah, who in the world wouldn’t want your bat?’) Then he presented it to me,” he explained further.
Virat Kohli On His Own Gave Me The Bat – Akash Deep
Akash Deep admitted that it was intimidating to ask Virat Kohli, given his stature and focus during the match. However, Kohli on his own initiative offered Akash his bat. Akash put the bat to good use, playing a key role in helping India avoid losing the game.
“I have been there with bhaiyya (Kohli) for a while now. But you always have that thing in mind, is it right to ask someone of Virat bhaiyya’s stature to bat.”
“Especially during the game, when he’s focused and in his zone, you don’t want to disturb him, but bhaiyya, by himself, gave me the bat,” Akash said.
This was not the first time that Kohli gifted a bat to Akash
Akash joined Bumrah when India still needed 33 runs to avoid a follow-on. With patient defense, they managed to help the team avoid the continuation. Akash cleared the follow-on mark with a cut shot over the cordon before launching a memorable six over midwicket on the very next ball.
This was not the first time that Virat gifted Akash a bat. During the home series against Bangladesh, Kohli also gave Akash one of his signature bats, showing the strong friendship within the Indian team.
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