Akash Deep’s epic Oval fifty forces Gautam Gambhir to do the unthinkable; Gill, Jadeja’s reactions go viral

Akash Deep reached his maiden Test half-century during the morning session on Day 3 (Saturday, August 2) of the fifth Test against England at The Oval. The batter erupted in celebration after reaching the milestone, and the reactions of Gautam Gambhir, Shubman Gill, and Ravindra Jadeja quickly went viral.

India resumed Day 3 of the final Test at 75 for 2. Akash Deep survived a close LBW appeal off Josh Tongue, thanks to the umpire’s call. The pair stitched together a crucial half-century stand, helping India extend their lead past the 100-run mark in this high-stakes finale of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Watch: Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja Urge Akash Deep to Remove Helmet, Gautam Gambhir smiles

Akash Deep reached his maiden Test half-century on the third ball of the 38th over in India’s second innings. The batter smashed a boundary off Atkinson, pumped his fist, and proudly pointed to the India badge on his chest as the dressing room gave him a standing ovation.

Your daily dose of cricket!

Shubman Gill came out to the balcony to cheer him on. Ravindra Jadeja and Gill urged Akash to remove his helmet, typically a gesture reserved for centuries, but the nightwatchman chose to keep it on.

Akash’s unexpected contribution with the bat, especially while batting at No. 4, drew admiration from Gautam Gambhir, who was seen smiling. His gritty knock came as a surprise, unsettling England not with the ball, but with the bat in hand.

Watch the video of the same posted by a user on X (formerly known as Twitter) below:

pic.twitter.com/gEGPUYUE83

— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) August 2, 2025

Jadeja and Gill wanted Akashdeep to remove his helmet and celebrate the fifty. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/ma3Wxp7L97

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 2, 2025

Akash Deep Enters Record Books with Maiden Test Fifty

Akash Deep broke multiple records with his knock. The right-handed batter became the first Indian nightwatchman since Amit Mishra in 2011 to score a fifty in a Test innings. Notably, both feats came at The Oval. The half-century was also Akash’s highest score in first-class cricket.

Akash also etched his name into the history books by becoming only the third Indian to register both a 10-wicket haul and a 50-plus score in an overseas Test series. He is the first to achieve this feat in a SENA country (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia).

50+ Scores for an Indian Nightwatchman in Tests Since 2000:

Indian Players to Post a 50+ Score and Take a 10-Wicket Haul in an Away Test Series

Also read: Shubman Gill blamed for Akash Deep’s send-off to Ben Duckett during Oval Test