Headline: Akash Deep's Sister, Battling Cancer, Urges India Pacer: 'Focus on the Game, Not Me'

Akash Deep, the Indian pace bowler, recently achieved a remarkable feat by taking 10 wickets at Edgbaston. He dedicated this achievement to his sister, who is currently battling cancer. In an exclusive interview, Akash Deep's sister shared her reaction to her brother's performance and provided insights into her ongoing cancer treatment.

India fast bowler Akash Deep's sister, Akhand Jyoti Singh, was emotional while reacting to her brother's heroic performance at Edgbaston.

Akash Deep and his sister Akhand Jyoti. (Courtesy: India Today)

Akash Deep and his sister Akhand Jyoti. (Courtesy: India Today)

Before the England tour, Jyoti encouraged Akash Deep to focus on his game and not worry about her health. She expressed immense happiness and pride in his performance, stating that it brought joy to the entire family during a difficult time.

Jyoti revealed that her cancer is in its third stage and requires an additional six months of treatment.

"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 in an exclusive interview.

She humorously added, "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!"

Akash Deep's sister during her cancer treatment

Jyoti mentioned that her cancer diagnosis was not widely known. She was unaware that Akash had shared this information on television while dedicating his 10-wicket haul to her.

“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 Hospital Visits During IPL

During the Indian Premier League (IPL), Akash Deep's sister was hospitalized. Despite his demanding schedule with the Lucknow Super Giants, he consistently visited her.

Akash Deep played six IPL matches in the 2025 edition of the tournament, where he picked up three wickets.

“When the IPL was going on and he was playing for the Lucknow team, I was admitted to the hospital for cancer treatment. Even then, he would come meet me either before or after the matches,” Akash Deep's sister said.

Akash Deep's unwavering support for his sister during her illness

After India's victory at Edgbaston, his sister was moved to tears during a video call with the pacer.

“After the match ended, we spoke twice over video call, and again at 5 a.m. in the morning. 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.’”

She further added, “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."

"Everything I Have Is For My Sister": Akash Deep's Promise

Akash Deep is solidifying his position in the Indian Test team, known for his ability to seam and swing the ball. He has played eight Test matches so far and already has 25 wickets to his name.

Akash Deep's sister shared that the pacer has dedicated all his success to her.

Akash Deep dedicates his success to his family

“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.

A Sister's Desire: Home-Cooked Food for Akash

Jyoti expressed her desire to show her love for Akash Deep upon his return from England by preparing his favorite home-cooked meals.

“When Akash used to come home, I would take food for him. When he comes again, I’ll cook whatever he asks for. 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.