Fathers' Unfinished Cricket Dreams Fuel Their Sons at U19 World Cup
Many cricket careers end too soon due to fate or rebellion. These former players now guide their sons, who are set to shine at the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Their stories highlight resilience and new beginnings in the sport.
V Devendran: From ICL Rebel to Coaching His Son Deepesh
Devendran once hit 21 sixes in a league match for Tamil Nadu. He joined the unauthorized Indian Cricket League after an offer from Kapil Dev. This move ended his career abruptly. He could not even enter Chepauk stadium the next day.
Now, he serves as an assistant coach at India Pistons in Chennai. His son Deepesh is a fast-bowler with growing talent. Devendran teaches him to be a thinking bowler, learning from his own past mistakes.
"I lacked intelligence in my playing days," Devendran admits. "Deepesh is evolving into a smarter player."
R Sukumar: Railways Star Who Could Not Break Through
Sukumar captained Tamil Nadu at age-group levels and scored big in university cricket. He moved to Railways for job security but faced stiff competition from players like Sanjay Bangar. He never made the first-class debut.
Today, he coaches the cricket team at Integral Coach Factory. His son Ambrish is an all-rounder like him. Sukumar pushes him to achieve what he could not.
"He is living my dream," Sukumar says. "The competition is unforgiving, but he is stronger than I was."
Clinton Peake: World Record Holder Turned Coach
Clinton Peake set a world record in 1994 by scoring 304 runs in a Youth Test for Australia against India. Despite this, he struggled to break into the Victoria senior team and shifted to coaching.
His son Oliver Peake captains the Australian U19 team this year. Oliver already won the 2024 U19 World Cup and hit a last-ball six in a Big Bash match recently.
"I am excited to see him play overseas," Clinton shares. "He faces challenges I never did."
Andy Blignaut: Rebel Player Watching His Twins
Andy Blignaut was known for his 150 kmph bowling and rebellious streak in Zimbabwe cricket. He quit for modeling but returned for the 2003 World Cup. His career ended after a rebellion with other players.
Now, his twin sons Kian and Michael will play for Zimbabwe in the U19 World Cup. They look up to their father's legacy.
"We always dreamed of playing for Zimbabwe," Michael says. "Dad inspired us."
Other Notable Lineages in the Tournament
- Mooen Ali will watch his nephew Isaac Mohammed, a top-order batsman for England.
- Farhan Ahmed aims to follow his brother Rehan's success for England, with roots in Karachi.
- Jeremy Coney, a former New Zealand captain and commentator, will track his grandson Thomas Jones, a middle-order batsman.
These young players carry their families' cricket dreams forward. The U19 World Cup offers a glimpse into their unique upbringings and the sport's enduring legacy.
