Akash Deep motivates most during cancer treatment: Sister

Akash Deep dedicated his match-winning performance against England to his sister, who is suffering from cancer. Sister, Akhand Jyoti Singh, was emotional while reacting to her brother's heroic performance at Edgbaston. 

Speaking to Aajtak, Jyoti revealed that she spoke to Akash Deep before the England tour and told him not to worry about her health and instead focus on playing for the country. Jyoti said that she was extremely happy with Akash's performance, which brought joy to the entire family in tricky times.

"It is a matter of pride for India - he has taken 10 wickets. Before the England tour, we went to meet him at the airport. I told him, 'I’m absolutely fine, don’t worry about me, just do well for the country.' I am in the third stage (of cancer), and the doctor has said the treatment will go on for six more months, after which we’ll see," Akash Deep's sister said.

"It makes me very happy when Akash takes wickets. Whenever he gets a wicket, all of us start clapping and cheering so loudly that the neighbours in the colony ask what has happened!" she laughed.

Jyoti revealed that the news that she was suffering from cancer was not public knowledge, and she did not know that Akash had already revealed the information on global TV. Akash Deep had dedicated his first 10-wicket haul in Test cricket to her in an emotional interview after the game.

“I had no idea Akash would say something like that. Maybe we weren’t ready to talk about it publicly, but the way he became emotional and said it for me- dedicating it to me - it’s a big deal. It shows how much he loves our family and me. Given the situation at home, and still performing like that and taking wickets there, it’s a huge thing. I’m the one he is closest to,” she said.

Akash Deep's sister was admitted to the hospital when the Indian Premier League was on. Jyoti revealed that the fast bowler always made sure that he came to visit her at the hospital despite having a tricky schedule for the Lucknow Super Giants. Akash Deep played six IPL matches in the 2025 edition of the tournament, where he picked up three wickets.

Jyoti said that she broke down while speaking to the pacer on video call after India's first-ever win at Edgbaston. Akash told me, ‘Don’t worry, the whole country is with us.’ He said, ‘I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I had been trying to, but yesterday I just couldn’t stop myself.’”

“Such a brother is rare. He helps us a lot and doesn’t do anything without talking to us. He shares everything with the family. Since our father and eldest brother are no longer with us, he is the one now managing the whole household,” she added.

“During my cancer treatment, he was the one who motivated me the most. I would tell him not to worry, that I have my husband with me, but he would always say, ‘Everything I have is for my sisters and my family.’ We are three brothers and three sisters - one of them has passed away. Akash is the youngest,” she said.

“Before and after every match, he makes sure to call home on video. He told me, ‘I did all this for you and for the country. I took those wickets for you,’” Akash Deep's sister concluded.

Before signing off, Jyoti said that she wanted to show her affection to Akash Deep once he returns from the England tour. She wanted the pacer to have home-cooked food. He loves dahi vada made by me, and he really likes green vegetables. Whenever he comes home, he asks me to make those,” Jyoti concluded.