Tall and well-built, he has an ideal physique for a medium pacer. Not just that, he has the talent to make it big, sooner than later. Son of police constable Thippeswamy, Pradeep is already making people sit up and take notice.
The day is not far when he definitely go places. In a span of just three years, Pradeep is already among the 30 India Under-19 probables for the World Cup for that age group in February 2014. From the nets of the Imtiaz Ahmed Cricket Academy, Pradeep has been netted by the cricketing brains handling this age group of Indian teams, which itself speaks volumes for his immense talent waiting to explode on bigger stages of the game.
Pradeep studied and played for the Florence School, RT Nagar. He turned up for trials at the IACA grounds and Imtiaz found him to be worthy of a place. Pradeep grabbed the opportunity and has since been bowling hard.
Pradeep has played for the Karnataka Under-16 and Under-19 teams and has bagged wickets with his ability to swing the ball both ways and churn up a lively pace too.
“I saw him bowl at the nets and felt that he could be a very good medium pacer. All that I have done is to provide him the right opportunities. He does not need any coaching for he is a natural talent. I or any of our coaches haven’t taught him much but he has done very well and I can say with conviction that he is a good find for Karnataka cricket at the moment,” said Imtiaz Ahmed, talking about Pradeep.
“All he needs to do is to improve his physique. He will then be able to bowl better at higher levels,” Imtiaz added.
According to Pradeep, when he saw Brett Lee bowl, he wanted to become like him from his school days. “Right now, I am practising hard to play in the India Under-19 for the World Cup. That’s my immediate goal,” said Pradeep, a II PU student of Surana College.
“The camp will commence from June 2 under coach Bharat Shanker and I hope to do well and get selected,” added Pradeep who bagged 7 for 42 against Rajasthan in the Cooch Behar Trophy under-19 tournament.
“I came for trials and Imtiaz sir selected me. From then on I am with them. I also play for Bangalore Occasionals in the group I, division I league and in five games this season, I have bagged 12 wickets,” said Pradeep.
Pradeep’s focus is to do well and get into the state under-25 teams and then the state senior team. “I work out for about an hour on my fitness and then go to the nets. I am not interested in anything except my studies and cricket. Yes, I like to listen to some music,” added Pradeep.
Watch out for this bowling all-rounder. He’s bound to castle you.
