Indian pacer Akash Deep has revealed how Virat Kohli played a big role in helping the team avoid a follow-on during the Gabba Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Akash Deep shared a memorable moment when Virat Kohli presented him with 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 an emphatic win in Perth, but Australia regained control over the next six weeks. The hosts won three of their remaining four matches and reclaimed the BGT trophy after a decade of India's dominance in the series.
Virat Bhaiya himself asked me, “Do you want a bat?” – 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 the follow-on and all but securing a draw in rain-affected conditions.
Reflecting on his innings, Akash Deep revealed that he used one of Virat Kohli's signature bats, which the former Indian captain gifted him before the match. Akash recalled Kohli asking him if he needed a bat, to which he eagerly agreed.
“Yes, that was Virat bhaiya's bat, the one with the MRF logo, everyone knows,” Akash said in a meeting with PTI.
“Bhaiyya (Kohli) himself asked me, 'Do you want a bat?' (Virat bhaiyya asked me, do you need a bat?) I said “Yes bhaiyya, who in the world would want to get you a bat?” (I said 'Yeah, who the hell wouldn't want your bat?') Then he presented it to me,” he further explained.
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 the bat. Akash used the bat brilliantly, playing a crucial role in helping India avoid a loss in the game.
“I have been there with bhaiyya (Kohli) for some time. But you always have that thing in the back of your mind, is it right to ask someone of Virat bhaiyya's stature for a bat.”
“Especially during the match when he is focused and in his zone, you don't want to disturb him, but bhaiyya singlehandedly gave me the bat,” said Akash.
It was not the first time that Kohli had given a bat to Akash
Akash joined Bumrah when India needed 33 runs to avoid the follow-on. They were able to help the team avoid going forward with a patient defense. Akash cleared the chase mark with a cut shot over the slip cordon before blasting a memorable six over midwicket off the 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 bats, showing the strong camaraderie within the Indian team.