Deepesh Devendran, an 18-year-old fast bowler, has emerged as one of India Under-19’s most exciting prospects ahead of the U-19 World Cup
For Deepesh, the global tournament represents more than just another assignment, it is a chance to announce himself on the biggest youth stage. (Photo: Social Media)
As Indian cricket fans focus on familiar Under-19 names like captain Ayush Mhatre and batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a new pace threat is quietly gathering attention. Deepesh Devendran, an 18-year-old fast bowler from Tamil Nadu, enters the Under-19 World Cup with raw speed, steep bounce, and the confidence of a breakout performer.
For Deepesh, the global tournament represents more than just another assignment, it is a chance to announce himself on the biggest youth stage.
Deepesh is not a typical Tamil Nadu fast bowler. Standing six feet tall and regularly clocking speeds above 135 kph, he gives India Under-19 a genuine fast-bowling edge. On his best days, he touches 140 kph and uses his height to extract bounce that troubles batters.
His rapid rise has made him one of the most exciting prospects in India’s youth setup.
Deepesh’s breakthrough moment came during the Under-19 Asia Cup in the UAE. He finished as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, picking up 14 wickets in five matches at an average of 11.92 and an economy rate of 4.77. His pace, hard lengths, and ability to hit the deck made him difficult to score against, even on flatter tracks.
Former India Under-19 pacer and current Tamil Nadu Under-19 coach V Yo Mahesh summed up his impact, saying, "Thaniya therinjan [he stood out] at this Under-19 level", after Deepesh dismantled Mumbai with figures of 5 for 19 in a Youth List A game.
Yo Mahesh, who once played alongside Deepesh’s father, V Devendran, noticed the youngster’s potential early. Reflecting on his first close look, he said, "I had a closer look at Deepesh when he came to play the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and straight off he was impressive."
He added, "His height is one of his strengths and definitely his pace. He is nippy off the wicket, and air speed with that nip can be lethal."
Mahesh also highlighted Deepesh’s natural movement, explaining, "Deepesh is not much of a swing bowler, but gets it to seam and straighten it."
Unlike his father, who was primarily a batter, Deepesh always wanted to bowl fast. He credits his mindset and physical attributes for his rapid progress. "I just wanted to bowl fast, even in tennis-ball cricket," he said, adding, "I think I have the natural ability to bowl fast and get bounce."
Even setbacks have shaped his growth. After being dropped mid-season from the Tamil Nadu Under-19 side, guidance 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 to ESPN.
India will play all their league matches in Zimbabwe, where pitches are expected to be flat. Deepesh feels ready for the challenge. "The wickets will be mostly flat, and I will be ready to bowl hard lengths on those types of wickets," he said.
Despite conceding runs in the Asia Cup final, he remains focused on the bigger goal. "Sometimes you will go for runs… I learn from it and forget the bad day," Deepesh said, before adding, "The goal is to win the World Cup."
With pace, resilience, and hunger on his side, the Under-19 World Cup could be the platform where Deepesh Devendran begins to create history for Indian cricket.
