During the six-week duration of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India found little to celebrate after initially taking a 1-0 lead with a victory in Perth. The Australian team largely controlled the series, winning three of the final four matches and reclaiming the BGT title after a decade of Indian dominance both at home and away.

Nevertheless, a moment of joy emerged from a resilient tenth-wicket partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep at the Gabba in Brisbane. Their collaboration yielded 47 crucial runs, enabling India to avoid the first-innings follow-on and significantly increasing the likelihood of a draw in the rain-affected conditions.

Akash Deep, who contributed 31 runs off 44 balls after entering the match at number eleven, shared his thoughts on his performance and disclosed the identity of the bat he used that day.

"Yes, that was Virat bhaiya's bat, the one with the MRF logo, which is well-known," Akash Deep stated in an interview with PTI.

"Bhaiyya (Kohli) personally asked me, 'Do you need a bat?' I replied, 'Yes, who wouldn’t want to use your bat in the world?' Then he kindly gave it to me," Akash Deep elaborated.

Kohli's bat used for a memorable moment in Akash's hand

Akash Deep collaborated with Bumrah when India required 33 runs to exceed the follow-on target, following a significant collapse in the batting lineup. Through a combination of patient defence and aggressive drives, India successfully reached the necessary runs. Subsequently, Akash Deep executed a cut shot over the slip cordon to surpass the target and immediately followed it with a remarkable six over midwicket off Pat Cummins.

Discussing his connection with Kohli and the circumstances that led him to use the bat of the Indian cricket icon, Akash Deep remarked, "I have been in the company of bhaiyya (Kohli) for quite some time. However, there is always a lingering thought about whether it is appropriate to request a bat from someone of Virat bhaiyya's calibre."

"Particularly during a match, when he is intensely focused and in his zone, one hesitates to interrupt him. Nevertheless, bhaiyya generously offered me the bat," Akash Deep stated, highlighting how he effectively utilized the bat of a cricketing legend to influence the match and ensure that India averted defeat.

Read Also: Tomas Machac Unveils Game Plan Ahead of Clash with Djokovic at Australian Open

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON !