Virat Kohli's 'gifted' bat powers Akash Deep to smoke consecutive sixes; ex-India captain's priceless reaction

Days after receiving a bat as a gift from the legendary Virat Kohli, Indian pacer Akash Deep showcased its true potential in the 2nd Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. As India's batsmen dominated the game, Akash added to the excitement by smashing consecutive sixes off Shakib-Al-Hasan, much to the delight of the entire Indian team, including Kohli himself. The gift from Kohli had left Akash feeling overwhelmed, and now, just a week later, he had made the Indian captain proud by using it to its full potential. His performance with the bat was not only impressive but also a testament to Kohli's faith in him.

As India looked for quick runs, Kohli got some much-needed runs under his belt, scoring 47 off 35 balls courtesy 4 fours and a six. But as it turns, it wasn't the only time runs flew off a bat with a big 'MRF Genius' logo on it. The moment KL Rahul was dismissed trying to up the ante, and in walked Akash, it was evident that that piece of wood he held in his hand belonged to Kohli. Akash played a cameo in the first innings as well, but that was a different bat as it missed the Kohli's famous bat sticker.

However, this time around, As Akash took strike, he missed the first ball which went perilously close to the stumps. Yet, showing no half-measures, Akash swung the bat with all his might, sending the ball over long-on. The next one was treated no different as Akash threw the proverbial kitchen sink to collect consecutive sixes.

Akash Deep went 6, 6

Bangladesh were stunned, Shakib scratching his head. But perhaps the best reaction came from the Indian dressing room, where Kohli, ready to take the field soon, showed uncontrollable emotions. He broke into a sheepish smile that soon converted into laughter as Akash, Team India and the Kanpur crowd reveled in the brutal assault that was being laid on Bangladesh. IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals aptly summed it up, calling it a 'series of Goated events'.

The thing with Kohli and his knack of gifting bats to youngsters began many years ago but was only brought to light earlier this year during the IPL 2024 when India and Kolkata Knight Riders batter Rinku Singh first asked for it. Kohli, being the perfect senior and a true model, did not hesitate in entertaining Rinku's request, but did question him when Singh broke Virat's bat. However, the conversation was all in jest as Rinku succeeded in his pursuit of getting a second bat gifted by Kohli.

India on the brink of something special

With two days entirely washed out, India produced a batting performance out of the blue on Day 4 of the Kanpur Test. Aware of what's at stake - a place in the World Test Championship final - India blasted 285/9 in just 34.4 overs, a scoring rate of over eight an over - to put give themselves a realistic chance of pushing for a win. They have inserted Bangladesh in to bat in the second innings after attaining a first-innings lead of 52. The visitors finished Monday on 26/2, trailing by 26 runs, giving India an opening for a last-day thriller on Tuesday.

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