With a remarkable speed of 147.3 kph, R D Pranav Ragavendra, a pacer from Tamil Nadu, has shown great promise as a young player. At the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, the 17-year-old recorded the quickest ball ever bowled by an Indian U-19 cricketer and is scheduled to play in India’s U-19 tour of England at the end of June.
Pranav has stated that he wants to concentrate on more than just bowling fast and accurately.
Breaking the 150 kph mark has always been a noteworthy accomplishment for Indian pacers. Mayank Yadav and Umran Malik have accomplished this in recent years. Given his enormous talent, it wouldn’t be shocking if Pranav reached 150 kph while playing for India in their U-19 tour of England. The tour, which consists of five ODIs and two Test matches, will start on June 27.
“I want to bowl quickly because I love speed.” When you use bouncers to frighten batsmen and strike their gloves with the hard length, it always feels fantastic. I don’t watch the speed gun because I need to improve on a number of things, including precision, to keep doing it,” Pranav stated, as reported by The Indian Express.
“I need to take care of myself by doing the correct things in order to maintain my fitness, which is my first concern if I want to bowl quickly. If I have to compete in the U-19 World Cup next year and beyond, then everything is non-negotiable, whether it be skillset training, fitness exercises, or recuperation,” he continued.
We must care for and safeguard him: Senthilnathan
After initially wanting to be a sprinter, Pranav discovered that rapid bowling was his forte. Under the watchful eye of renowned pacer Glenn McGrath, he trained at the MRF Pace Foundation in 2024 and achieved top speeds of 139 kph. Pranav participated in two games and was also selected for the Tamil Nadu team.
His strength has always been peace. He was bowling in the early 130s (kmph) when I first saw him, but in just two years, he has been regularly bowling in the 135–145 range. He is naturally fast, and at the moment, it’s all about taking control,” MRF Pace Foundation head coach M Senthilnathan stated.
He might even add a few more yards of speed because he is still developing. But he’s already quite fast for a youngster his age. He needs our care and protection. Control is what counts, therefore speed shouldn’t become an obsession. The good news is that even he gets it,” he continued.
He is undoubtedly a future talent: Ramji
Pranav is viewed as a future prospect for India by conditioning coach Ramji Srinivasan, who was a member of the Indian cricket team. However, he underlined how crucial it is to safeguard and develop his talent. He emphasised the importance of fitness in Pranav’s trip and the necessity of a well-organised recuperation strategy to aid in his development.
Pranav is undoubtedly a future talent, but in order for him to reach his full potential, he must be protected and nourished above all else. We witnessed Australia’s treatment of Pat Cummins. To ensure that he peaks at the appropriate moment, we have also created a long-term athlete development program, Ramji added.
He must have a solid base if he is bowling so fast. Since he is still growing, the foundation must be established, including the base that will provide him strength. Its mechanics must be developed in accordance with his needs. He will develop with the support of a thorough recovery and diet plan. We must be patient while he matures into an adult. Young sportsmen are not completed goods. He came to the conclusion that we shouldn’t make the same mistakes we have with other people.
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