Bangladesh Cricket

India Star Breaks Silence on Why He Didn’t Invite Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit to His Wedding

akash deep 25 06 2026

A Wedding in Varanasi: Why the Legends Stayed Away

The wedding of Indian fast bowler Akash Deep in the historic city of Varanasi was always going to be a special occasion, but it became a significant talking point for reasons beyond the traditional nuptials. As Akash Deep married Akshita Raj, eagle-eyed fans across social media were quick to notice a glaring absence from the guest list: the three biggest icons of modern Indian cricket, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma.

As it turns out, the India Star Breaks Silence on Why He Didn’t Invite Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit to His wedding, and his explanation is as grounded as it is humorous. A viral video from the festivities captures a guest playfully asking the pacer why the legendary trio was missing from the guest list. Akash Deep, with a knowing smile, responded in Hindi: “Shaadi ho paayega yahan Banaras mein?” which translates to “Would the wedding even be possible here in Banaras?”

The Reality of Superstardom

While the comment was delivered with a sense of humor that drew laughter from those in attendance, the underlying logic is perfectly sound. In the landscape of Indian sports, very few figures command the sheer gravitational pull that Dhoni, Kohli, and Rohit possess. These players are not merely athletes; they are cultural phenomena. Had any one of them stepped foot into the venue in Varanasi, the focus of the day would have shifted instantly from the bride and groom to the cricketing icons.

The sheer magnitude of the crowd that follows these stars is well-documented. An appearance by such high-profile figures would likely have resulted in massive gatherings outside the venue, potentially creating security concerns and logistical nightmares for the families involved. By keeping the guest list intimate and avoiding the inclusion of such massive public figures, Akash Deep ensured that his wedding remained a private, peaceful, and personal celebration for his loved ones.

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A Practical Decision, Not a Controversy

In an age where social media thrives on manufacturing controversy, it is refreshing to see that there was no drama or hidden tension behind the absence of his senior teammates. It was, quite simply, a logistical necessity. Anyone who understands the fever-pitch intensity of cricket fans in India knows that a private wedding can transform into a public spectacle in a matter of minutes if a national hero makes an appearance.

By prioritizing the sanctity of his wedding ceremony over the inclusion of celebrity guests, Akash Deep made a mature and practical decision. The focus remained where it belonged: on the couple starting their new life together.

Akash Deep: Rising Through the Ranks

Beyond the wedding headlines, Akash Deep continues to make significant strides in his professional cricketing journey. The right-arm pacer has established himself as a reliable asset for the Indian Test team, having already featured in 10 matches. His contribution to the bowling unit has been impactful, with 28 wickets to his name to date.

His performance on the international stage has been characterized by grit and precision. A standout moment in his developing career remains his best innings figures of 6 for 60, followed by his impressive best match figures of 10 for 112. These statistics highlight a bowler who is not only capable of consistency but also possesses the ability to produce match-winning spells. As he continues to grow within the national setup, fans will undoubtedly be cheering for his success on the field, even if he decides to keep his private life celebrations quiet.

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Ultimately, the choice to keep his wedding low-key reflects the grounded nature of a player who understands the balance between his public career and his private life. It was a day for family, tradition, and personal joy—and, as the pacer humorously implied, keeping the massive crowd of fans at bay was likely the best wedding gift he could have given himself and his bride.

Julian Anand

Julian Anand is a senior cricket writer at ESPNcricinfo, known for his lyrical prose and deep-dive longform features on the sport’s unsung heroes. An alumnus of St. Stephen's College, he began his career covering Delhi’s club and university circuits before joining the global cricket desk. Julian has a rare ability to humanise the game—whether chronicling a young pacer from the Maidan or revisiting a forgotten Test classic. He is especially respected for his technical breakdowns of fast bowling and his archival research into cricket history. His work has been recognised with the SJA British Sports Journalism Award and multiple internal honours at Cricinfo. When not at the press box, Julian mentors young sports writers and plays occasional league cricket as a medium-pacer.