Watch out for Rajasthan pace sensation Deepak, says coach

His sensational spell of 7.3-2-10-8 in the Plate division at Jaipur has created a flutter in first-class cricket, with many seeing him as the fast bowler to look out for.

His coach Navendu Tyagi, a specialist in fast bowling at Zila Cricket Academy in Jaipur was never in doubt about his ward's potential but admits that he was left spell bound by Deepak's hostile performance.

"Deepak always used to say that he will take five-wickets on his debut if he gets a chance to play in Ranji Trophy. I prayed for his wishes to come true because he has worked very hard all these years," Tyagi, who is a also a Rajasthan Cricket Academy's (RCA) executive member and a level 1 coach, told IANS.    

"I knew he had it in him to make a mark, but eight-wicket haul was a pleasant surprise. I could not be more happy."

Coming from district of Hanumangarh, Deepak was 10-year-old when his father, a seargent in Air Force, brought him to Tyagi who did not take long to spot the talent in the boy.
"He is a fitness freak. As a fast bowler, you need to have the passion to be fit and Deepak has that. He is very disciplined.

"His pace is his strength. When he came for the first time, he was rather quick for his age group. He can swing the ball as well. As of now he can bowl at 130 km per hour but he is just 18. Give him some time and in a couple of years, he should be able to add to his pace. I definitely see him as a bright prospect for India," he said.

Tyagi says Deepak has been consistently bowling well. "He took 21 wickets in four matches of the under-19 Cooch Behar Trophy and in Vinoo Mankad trophy took 11 wickets this year. Last month, he was named the best bowler in the National Cricket Academy camp among the 18 shortlisted.

"It is the result of his dedicated effort and those of his family that he has been able to perform so well. His father took voluntary retirement to look after his son's cricketing career. It is heartening to see a boy from a small place performing so well," said Tyagi, who claims not charging a penny from his trainees.

Tarak Sinha, director of Rajasthan Future cricket academy, who backed Deepak's inclusion in the state team feels vindicated.

"We first saw Deepak playing at the Hanumangarh district and felt he has the talent. He played for U-19 tournament for Rajasthan last year. His performance in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy was impressive and we then recommended him for the Ranji team. He exceeded our expectations," Sinha told IANS.