The 5th Test between India and England has been full of drama, but Indian pacer Akash Deep has landed himself in controversy after his wicket celebration against Ben Duckett backfired.
England’s first innings started in dominant fashion, with Zak Crawley and Duckett putting up a brisk 50-run partnership in just seven overs. Akash Deep managed to break the stand by dismissing Duckett, seemingly giving India a much-needed breakthrough.
However, instead of a simple celebration, Akash Deep chose to place his arm around Duckett’s shoulder and allegedly sledge him after the dismissal. The act, caught on camera, quickly went viral and drew heavy criticism from fans and cricket analysts alike.
While sledging is often seen as part of competitive cricket, many Indian fans slammed Akash Deep’s gesture as “unprofessional,” especially given that India were already under pressure in the match. Critics argued that showing aggression in such a situation only highlighted the team’s frustration rather than their fightback.
Reactions online suggest that while intensity is welcome in Test cricket, knowing when to sledge makes all the difference. In this case, Akash Deep’s timing appeared off, with many suggesting the move could further dent India’s morale instead of lifting it.
As the Test continues, this incident has become another talking point in an already heated series, sparking debate about sportsmanship and player conduct under pressure.
