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, in which the fast bowler answered a question about the absence of several high-profile Indian cricketers.
After pre-wedding celebrations in Akash Deep’s native village Baddi in Rohtas district of Bihar, the wedding took place in a luxury hotel in Varanasi. The ceremony was attended by Indian fast bowler Mukesh Kumar, Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh, close family members, friends and many local guests.
Akash Deep breaks silence on star guests missing from 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 fast bowler responded with a light-hearted comment which quickly went viral on social media.
When asked why he did not invite India’s biggest cricket stars, Akash joked that their presence would have made it impossible to hold the wedding peacefully in Varanasi as they attract huge crowds.
“So do you think my wedding could have taken place in Varanasi?”
Their witty reply brought laughter from the guests and soon spread across social media, with fans sharing the clip and congratulating the newlywed couple.
Question to Akshdeep: Why didn’t you invite Dhoni or Kohli bhaiya to your wedding?
Akshdeep: Do you really think that if they had come, marriage would have been possible here? ??? pic.twitter.com/MnS6cDciUb
-Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintivari952) June 24, 2026
Indian pacer focuses on personal achievement after injury
Akash Deep was married to Akshita Raj, daughter of Amit Singh, resident of Manikpur, Dehri. The marriage was arranged with the consent of both the families and took place as per traditional customs in the presence of close relatives and friends.
This marriage took place during a challenging phase of Akash’s cricket career. A lower back stress injury has ruled him out of IPL 2026 and kept him away from international action. Despite the setback, the fast bowler is 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 many personal difficulties, he impressed in domestic cricket with his pace and ability to spin the ball and earned his place in the national team.
Akash Deep is waiting for his return to international cricket
Akash Deep has become a reliable Test bowler for India since making his debut against England in February 2024. The right-arm fast bowler has taken 28 wickets in 10 Test matches at an average of 35.79, becoming a valuable option in the fast bowling attack.
His best performance came at Edgbaston during India’s 2025 tour of England, where he claimed a match-winning 10 wickets. Akash played a key role in India’s victory with figures of 4/88 and 6/99.
The fast bowler 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 batsman, helping India consolidate their first innings total.
Akash has not yet made his ODI or T20 debut for India. After missing IPL 2026 due to a lower back stress injury, his immediate aim is to regain full fitness and make a comeback to the national team. Bihar government has recommended Akash for the post of DSP under sports quota.
