Photo Credit: Rajasthan Royals
The competition, jointly run by Red Bull and Rajasthan Royals, offers young aspiring bowlers the chance to prove their skills, compete regionally and nationally, and train with elite coaches and Royals’ stars.
The 2024 edition of the Red Bull Speedster, a high-octane national talent search to discover the next generation of India’s fast bowlers, is here. The competition, jointly run by Red Bull and Rajasthan Royals, offers young aspiring bowlers the chance to prove their skills, compete regionally and nationally, and train with elite coaches and Rajasthan Royals’ stars.
The program was conceived with the aim of giving wings to amateur pacers with a stage where they could showcase their raw talent. The first edition was held in 2020 with qualifiers taking place in multiple cities, and the top fast bowlers from across the country competing in a national final.
“Giving Wings” to Speedsters
The program aims not only to unearth the best fast-bowling talent from across India but also to provide the right facilities, expert guidance, and fast-track young talents to a bigger stage. It serves as a grassroots-focused, national-level talent discovery platform, helping fast bowlers realise their potential. Since its first edition in 2020, the program has seen success stories over the years – more recently with the likes of Naman Tiwari, who credited the program with his development into an international-level U19 player for India, most recently at the 2024 ICC Men’s U19 World Cup.
Much like Tiwari, the duo of Mohammad Sharim and Pratik Kumar were selected from Lucknow and Ranchi respectively in the 2020 edition. Having impressed with their raw talent, Sharim and Pratik spent three months at the Rajasthan Royals High-Performance Center in Talegaon, Nagpur, including bowling to the star Royals players in the nets during the IPL.
Describing his experience, young Mohammad Sharim said, “This initiative has been a game-changer for me. The experience of training and practising with top international players was invaluable. I learned about focus, discipline, determination, and more. I also bowled to some of the Royals’ star players like Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Chris Morris, Glenn Phillips, Evin Lewis, etc.”
Pratik Kumar also spoke highly of his experience of making it to the Rajasthan Royals’ camp, describing it as an opportunity of a lifetime. “It’s an honour that everyone dreams of. I thank the program for making my dream come true – to experience the team atmosphere of a big franchise like Rajasthan Royals was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” added Pratik.
What’s happening in 2024?
Red Bull Speedster 2024 powered by Rajasthan Royals will take place across nine cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Jaipur, offering participants a shot at training at the Rajasthan Royals High Performance Center and access to expert coaching along with the chance to become a net bowler with the Royals under the purview of their Bowling Coach Shane Bond.
Bond, who has been serving as the Bowling Coach of the Royals in the IPL, and former Head Coach of Paarl Royals in South Africa, expressed his delight at the prospect: “Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how raw talent, when given the right guidance and exposure, can transform into something special. Red Bull Speedster powered by Rajasthan Royals offers just that – an incredible platform for young bowlers to not only showcase their skills but to learn and evolve. This is an exciting opportunity to work with these emerging talents again in the build-up to the IPL and see their growth, both technically and mentally. I’m eager to help nurture the next wave of Indian fast bowlers who can make a significant impact within the Royals franchise as well.”
Pankaj Singh, former India and Rajasthan Royals pacer, will join the program as a talent scout for the city qualifiers. Known for his expertise and sharp eye for potential, Singh’s involvement aims to enhance the scouting process, ensuring that top-performing bowlers are identified and given the opportunity to shine on a larger stage. Singh, who also oversees operations at the Rajasthan Royals Academy (RRA) in Jaipur, said, “Having been part of the Rajasthan Royals and represented India, I understand the importance of such a unique program that provides young bowlers with a clear pathway to the top. It’s not just about finding the fastest bowlers but also about honing their skills and preparing them for bigger challenges. I’m excited to help identify the next generation of pacers and guide them through this transformative experience, especially through the Rajasthan Royals Academy’s role in Jaipur.”
Red Bull Speedster 2024 schedule
- October 26: Spartan & DSP Academy, Jodhpur
- October 27: Shivaji Sports Complex, New Delhi
- November 7: Rajasthan Royals Academy, Muhana, Jaipur
- November 8: Jaipuriya Cricket Ground, Lucknow
- November 10: Changsari High School Play Ground, Guwahati
- November 16: TKR College Ground, Hyderabad
- November 17: Sumangali Ground, Chennai
- November 24: Shivay Cricket Academy, Ahmedabad
For more information about Speedster, please visit www.redbull.in/speedster
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Name of Author: Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals (RR) are a professional cricket team based in Jaipur, Rajasthan, competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Founded in 2008 as one of the original IPL franchises, the team is owned by Manoj Badale and The Royals Sports Group. The Royals play their home matches at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur and ACA Stadium in Guwahati, and are known for discovering obscure and high-potential talent.
