Akash Deep to Sajeevan Sajana - Two different yet similar stories of hard work and success in Indian Cricket

In the realm of sports, tales of triumph over adversity resonate deeply, affirming the possibility of miracles. Two such heartening stories unfolded on Friday, showcasing the resilience of Akash Deep and Sajeevan Sajana. Akash Deep, making his India debut in the fourth Test against England, emerged as a shining star. He is overcoming life's challenges to showcase his talent on the global stage.

Meanwhile, Sajeevan Sajana scripted her fairy tale in the WPL 2024 opener. She contributed a final-ball maximum for the Mumbai Indians to secure an extraordinary victory. These stories illuminate the beauty of life coming full circle for these players, capturing the hearts of cricket enthusiasts and underscoring the essence of perseverance in the face of struggles.

Akash Deep: Defying destiny on the cricket field

Akash Deep's journey from the obscure town of Baddi, Sasaram, in Bihar, to representing India in Test cricket is a testament to his unwavering determination and resilience. Born into a family where cricket wasn't encouraged, he faced isolation and financial struggles while pursuing his passion.

Undeterred, he moved to Durgapur, played tennis-ball matches to sustain himself, and joined a cricket club. Tragedy struck when his father's stroke and subsequent demise, followed by his brother's death, made him the sole breadwinner. A hiatus ensued, during which he supported his family.

Resuming cricket, he joined United Club in Kolkata, climbed the ranks, and earned an IPL contract with RCB in 2022. Stellar performances in domestic cricket and India A game led to his Test debut, where he immediately made an impact by claiming key wickets against England. Akash's journey epitomises resilience, determination, and the triumph of dreams against formidable odds.

Sajeevan Sajana: Kerala's trailblazer in the WPL 2024

Hailing from the quaint town of Mananthavady in Wayanad, Kerala, Sajeevan Sajana boasts a remarkable journey from a humble background to the grand stage of the Women's Premier League (WPL). She was born to an autorickshaw driver father and a municipality councillor mother. Sajana's cricketing odyssey began with a plastic bat and coconut petiole. A tragedy struck when devasting Kerala floods wiped out her house.

Unsold in the inaugural WPL auction, Sajana's fortune turned as the Mumbai Indians acquired her for ₹10 lakh in 2024. A versatile all-rounder, she led Kerala under-23s to the T20 Super League title in 2019 and excelled in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy with 134 runs and six wickets. Her impressive stint in the Women's Senior One-Day Trophy further solidified her credentials, with 11 wickets at an average of 12.36.

In the WPL 2024 opener, Sajana showcased nerves of steel. Tasked with five runs off the last ball, she smashed a monumental six. securing a thrilling victory for the Mumbai Indians and marking a spectacular beginning to her WPL journey.