Promising pacer Deepesh breaks into Indian under-19 squad
Having come close last year, Tamil Nadu's D. Deepesh finally made it to the India under-19 squad on Monday when he was announced as one of the injury replacements for the tour of England later this month.
The 17-year-old pacer is a chip off the old block, the son of former Tamil Nadu player V. Devendran.
An opener, Devendran was the third-highest run-getter alongside S. Anirudha in the inaugural Syed Musthaq Ali T20 (2007) and was instrumental in the team's triumph before he joined the now-defunct Indian Cricket League.
Speaking about his son, a proud Devendran said, 'We were disappointed when he couldn't be a part of the (u-19) Asia Cup last year (Deepesh was one of the standbys), because he didn't receive his visa on time. But I am glad he got a break now and want to thank H. Shankar (Secretary of Chengalpattu district team) for his unflinching support.'
The 47-year-old, who has been Deepesh's coach, added: 'He is a good batter, but I told him to become a fast bowler because he has pace. Even if he was a bit wayward, I told him not to compromise pace because control can be learnt.'
It is something Deepesh, who clocks above 130kph, says he has realised and also credited Sandeep Warrier for guiding him when he was part of TN's Vijay Hazare squad last year. 'I was dropped from the u-19 team last year after a poor performance in the semis. Sandy anna found out what I was trying and asked me not to slow my run-up or pace. He felt I could play at a higher level if I continued to back my strengths. That gave me a lot of confidence.'
'I am thrilled to have finally got the chance. I want to do well in every opportunity I get,' added Deepesh.
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