NEW DELHI: Indian fast bowler Akash Deep recently started a new chapter in his personal life by marrying Akshita Raj in a traditional ceremony in Varanasi. The cricketer shared pictures and videos of the wedding on social media on Wednesday. A clip of the celebrations quickly caught the attention of fans because of Akash’s humorous response to a question about some of the biggest stars of Indian cricket.During the event, a guest asked him why the former captain of India MS Dhoni and star ships Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma they were not invited to the wedding.Akash replied with a smile, “Shaadi ho paayega yahan Banaras mein?” (Will the marriage also take place here in Banaras?)His response drew laughter from those present and suggested that the presence of such high-profile cricketers might have drawn a huge crowd and made it difficult to conduct the ceremony smoothly.Wedding celebrations in Bihar and VaranasiBefore the wedding, the celebrations had already started in Akash’s native village Baddi in Bihar’s Rohtas district. Family members, friends and well-wishers gathered for traditional functions before the ceremony in Varanasi.The wedding marked a happy occasion for the pacer, who has spent the last few months recovering from injury.Akash Deep’s journey with IndiaAkash represented India in 10 test matches and took 28 wickets. His best innings is 6 for 60, while his best figures are 10 for 112.One of the highlights of his career came during India’s tour of England last year when he claimed 12 wickets in the Birmingham Test against England.Injury recoilThe right-arm pacer has been signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026 but has missed the entire season due to a back stress injury.The injury also kept him out of India’s plans for the one-off Test against Afghanistan earlier this month.Akash last played for India during the tour of England last year, with his most recent appearance coming in the fifth Test at The Oval. Since then, injuries have interrupted his progress and kept him away from international cricket.
