Virat Kohli Gives Special Gift to RCB Teammate Akash Deep Ahead of India vs Bangladesh Test Series

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India's fast bowler Akash Deep, who has been selected for the first Test against Bangladesh, received a warm and personal gesture from none other than Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli.

The young pacer took to Instagram to share the news, revealing that Kohli had gifted him one of his prized bats, marking a special moment in the lead-up to the series.

In his post, Akash Deep expressed his gratitude with a heartfelt caption: "Thanq bhaiya (Thank you big brother)" - a simple yet touching acknowledgement of Kohli's support.

This is not the first time Kohli has extended such a gesture. Recently, Indian cricketers like Rinku Singh and Vijaykumar Vyshak also shared that they, too, had been fortunate to receive a bat from the former Indian captain.

Kohli's habit of gifting his bats to budding players is becoming a bit of a tradition, showcasing his generous spirit and camaraderie with the younger crop of cricketers.

A Special Bond Through Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

What makes this gesture even more meaningful is the bond that Akash Deep and Kohli have formed as teammates at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Akash Deep has been a part of the RCB squad since 2022, a period where the team made it to the playoff stages two times. Being in the same camp has allowed the young pacer to work closely with Kohli, and it is evident that the bond has only strengthened with time.

Kohli, known for his intense commitment to the game, has always been someone younger players look up to, and his support for Akash Deep is no surprise. Gifting one of his MRF-sponsored bats is a gesture that likely means a lot to the 27-year-old bowler, serving not just as a symbol of camaraderie but also as a boost of confidence before a crucial series.

Akash Deep's Rise in Indian Cricket

Akash Deep made an explosive debut for India in the fourth Test against England earlier in 2024, leaving a lasting impression by dismantling the English top order.

His standout performance in that match saw him claim three crucial wickets, those of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope, all renowned names in international cricket.

His sharp, disciplined bowling during the first innings played a significant role in giving India a much-needed advantage. However, despite his impactful debut, that remains his only Test match so far.

Since then, Akash Deep has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, and his efforts have earned him another opportunity to don the whites for India.

With Mohammad Shami still recovering and not completely fit, Akash Deep has been called up to bolster the pace attack for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. The young pacer will be eager to make the most of this opportunity and cement his place in the Indian squad.

Kohli Set to Return to Test Cricket

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli himself will return to Test cricket for the first time since January 2024, when he played a lone match against South Africa.

Kohli had opted out of India's home series against England earlier in the year due to personal reasons, as he welcomed the birth of his second child. The upcoming series against Bangladesh will offer Kohli the chance to add another milestone to his glittering career.

The 35-year-old is just 152 runs short of reaching the coveted 9,000-run mark in Test cricket, a milestone that only three other Indian players - Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid have achieved.

If Kohli reaches this landmark during the Bangladesh series, it would further establish his place among the all-time greats of Indian cricket.