TNPL debutant D Deepesh clocks 145 kph consistently

D Deepesh, the 18-year-old fast bowler and U-19 World Cup winner, is set to make his debut at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday for Madurai Panthers against iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans in the Tamil Nadu Premier League. The pacer has consistently clocked speeds north of 145 kph in recent matches.

Deepesh, son of former Tamil Nadu batter Vasudevan Devendran, credits his father for his development. Vasudevan, a part of TN's 2007 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy-winning side, identified Deepesh's pace early and pushed him towards fast bowling. The teenager was the best bowler in the U-19 Asia Cup last year with 14 wickets in five games, and also took a five-wicket haul in a Youth Test against Australia U-19 in September 2025.

After the U-19 World Cup win, VVS Laxman, Head of Cricket at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, wrote a letter to Deepesh's parents. Deepesh now focuses on managing his body and preparations, with morning training sessions and alternate-day gym work.