Indian fast bowler Akash Deep married Akshita Raj in a traditional wedding ceremony in Varanasi on Wednesday, June 24. The ceremony gained attention after a video of the couple went viral on social media, with the pacer responding to a question about the absence of several high-profile Indian cricketers.
The wedding took place at a luxury hotel in Varanasi after pre-wedding celebrations in Akash Deep's native village of Baddi in Bihar's Rohtas district. The ceremony was attended by India pacer Mukesh Kumar, Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh, close family members, friends, and several local guests.
Akash Deep Breaks Silence on Missing Star Guests at Varanasi Wedding
During the wedding celebrations, a guest jokingly asked Akash Deep why stars like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma were not present. The India pacer responded with a light-hearted remark that quickly went viral on social media.
When asked why he had not invited India's biggest cricket stars, Akash joked that their presence would have made it impossible to hold the wedding peacefully in Varanasi due to the huge crowds they attract.
"Then do you think my wedding could have been held in Varanasi?"
His witty reply drew laughter from the guests and soon spread across social media, with fans sharing the clip and congratulating the newly married couple.
Question to Akshdeep: Why didn’t you call Dhoni or Kohli bhaiya to your marriage?
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) June 24, 2026
Akshdeep: Do you really think if they came, the marriage would have been possible here? 😂 pic.twitter.com/MnS6cDciUb
Indian Pacer Focuses on Personal Milestone After Injury Setback
Akash Deep married Akshita Raj, a resident of Manikpur in Dehri and the daughter of Amit Singh. The wedding was arranged with the consent of both families and took place according to traditional customs in the presence of close relatives and friends.
The wedding comes during a challenging phase in Akash's cricket career. A lower-back stress injury ruled him out of IPL 2026 and kept him away from international action. Despite the setback, the pacer remains focused on his recovery and return to competitive cricket.
Akash's journey to the Indian team has been marked by determination and resilience. After overcoming several personal hardships, he impressed in domestic cricket with his pace and ability to move the ball, earning his place in the national side.
Akash Deep Awaits Return to International Cricket
Akash Deep has become a dependable Test bowler for India since making his debut against England in February 2024. The right-arm pacer has taken 28 wickets in 10 Test matches at an average of 35.79, becoming a valuable option in the pace attack.
His best performance came during India's 2025 tour of England at Edgbaston, where he claimed a match-winning 10-wicket haul. Akash finished with figures of 4/88 and 6/99, playing a key role in India's victory.
The pacer has also contributed with the bat when needed. In the final Test at The Oval, he scored a career-best 66 off 101 balls as a lower-order batter, helping India strengthen its first-innings total.
Akash is yet to make his ODI or T20I debut for India. After missing IPL 2026 because of a lower-back stress injury, his immediate goal is to regain full fitness and return to the national team. The Bihar Government has recommended Akash for DSP posts under the Sports Quota.
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