Deepesh Devendran: India U-19’s Rising Fast-Bowling Star

As Indian cricket enthusiasts focus on familiar Under-19 stars like captain Ayush Mhatre and batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a new fast-bowling talent is quietly making waves. Deepesh Devendran, an 18-year-old speedster from Tamil Nadu, arrives at the Under-19 World Cup armed with raw pace, steep bounce, and the composure of a budding star. For Deepesh, this global stage is not just another tournament—it is an opportunity to announce himself as a force in youth cricket.

Who is Deepesh Devendran? India U-19’s New Fast-Bowling Asset

Unlike the typical fast bowlers from Tamil Nadu, Deepesh stands tall at six feet and regularly clocks speeds above 135 kph. On his best days, he touches 140 kph, using his height to extract bounce that challenges even experienced batters. His combination of pace and bounce has given India’s Under-19 team a genuine fast-bowling edge, making him one of the most exciting prospects in the country’s youth cricket setup.

Breakthrough at the Under-19 Asia Cup

Deepesh first caught national attention during the Under-19 Asia Cup held in the UAE. He emerged as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, claiming 14 wickets in five matches at an impressive average of 11.92 and an economy rate of 4.77. His ability to consistently hit hard lengths and maintain pressure even on flatter pitches made him a difficult bowler to score against.

Former India Under-19 pacer and current Tamil Nadu Under-19 coach, V Yo Mahesh, praised his impact: “Thaniya therinjan [he stood out] at this Under-19 level,” Mahesh said, reflecting on Deepesh’s remarkable 5-for-19 performance against Mumbai in a Youth List A match.

Coach Yo Mahesh: Recognizing Rare Talent

Yo Mahesh, who once played alongside Deepesh’s father, V Devendran, noticed the young bowler’s potential early in his career. “I had a closer look at Deepesh when he played in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, and he was immediately impressive,” Mahesh recalled.

Mahesh highlighted Deepesh’s strengths: “His height and pace are key weapons. He is nippy off the wicket, and that combination of speed and bounce can be lethal.” He added, “While he’s not primarily a swing bowler, Deepesh moves the ball off the seam and can make it straighten—an invaluable skill at this level.”

From Tennis-Ball Cricket to 140 kph

Unlike his father, who was primarily a batsman, Deepesh always aspired to bowl fast. He credits his mindset and physical attributes for his rapid rise. “I just wanted to bowl fast, even in tennis-ball cricket,” he said. “I think I naturally have the ability to bowl quick and get bounce.”

Setbacks have also shaped his journey. Being dropped mid-season from the Tamil Nadu Under-19 side could have been discouraging, but mentorship from India seamer Sandeep Warrier helped him regain confidence. “Do what you know and what works for you—that’s what Sandy Anna tells me,” Deepesh revealed.

Under-19 World Cup: Challenges and Opportunities

India will play all their league matches in Zimbabwe, where pitches are expected to be mostly flat. Deepesh feels prepared for the conditions. “The wickets will be mostly flat, and I will focus on bowling hard lengths on those surfaces,” he said.

Even after conceding runs in the Asia Cup final, his focus remains on the ultimate goal: winning the World Cup. “Sometimes you will go for runs… I learn from it and move on,” he shared. “The goal is to win the World Cup.”

With raw pace, resilience, and an insatiable hunger for success, Deepesh Devendran is poised to make a lasting impact on Indian cricket through the Under-19 World Cup.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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