Growing up, Dev Shah never envisioned a future in racquet sports. It was never even in the back of his mind. He was more inclined to dribble a football across the field or wield a cricket willow to launch towering sixes than pick up a racquet. But that unflinching passion subdued in 2022.
By then, pickleball was rapidly making waves across the world. Its simplicity, accessibility, and addictive nature were drawing people to courts across continents. The sport offered a joy unlike any other, and Dev was no exception. Captivated by the craze, he picked up a paddle – and hasn’t put it down since.
With Ahmedabad fast emerging as one of India’s bustling pickleball hubs, his fascination with the sport only grew manifold. The city provided him with the ideal environment to hone his skills, and the rewards soon followed. He is now regarded as one of India’s most promising teenage picklers. In a span of just four years, the 17-year-old has amassed 17 medals at home and abroad, including nine gold medals.
Scouted by India’s chief national coach Dhiren Patel and Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, president of the Indian Pickleball Association, Dev was enrolled at the Dinkers Pickleball Academy, home to India’s National Center of Excellence, in 2024. There has been no looking back since. Under the watchful guidance of chief coach Dhiren, his racquet skills, tactical awareness, and overall game have flourished.
“I played football and cricket. So, it’s a completely different kind of transition. The adaptation was key. Good coaching and mentorship of Dhiren sir (Dhiren Patel) helped me a lot. And my transition was handled great by him,” Dev told Pickleball Now.
Last year, at the Pickleball World Cup, he clinched the gold medal in the Under 34 Men’s Singles (5.0) category. He followed that up with another stellar performance at the IPA Nationals in Bengaluru, where he won two gold medals in the U18 doubles and mixed doubles categories. His success extended beyond Indian shores as well, with a medal-winning performance at the Pickleball World Championships PPA Dallas in 2025.
In phenomenal form now, Dev has recently claimed a hat-trick of gold medals at the Madhya Pradesh Open, a PWR 400 event, in the U18 Boys Doubles, Open Men’s Singles, and Open Mixed Doubles categories. He then carried that momentum to Tanzania, where he secured the Mixed Doubles gold medal in the last week of May.
Focus on doubles
As the IPA Selection Trials for junior players set to be held at the Dinkers Pickleball Academy in Ahmedabad from June 12-14, Dev is gearing up to compete in the Under 18 singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories.
And he is placing his faith in his doubles prowess. Of his nine gold medals, seven have come across the men’s and mixed doubles categories.
“I think my doubles game is really better. Because it is all new to me. I was really quick to learn about it all,” he said.
Ahead of the selection trials, Dev is confident of his chances, with the event coming on the backdrop of his remarkable performance at the Tanzania Open.
“I have just come back from Tanzania. It was great exposure ahead of the World Cup. Currently, I am preparing, and I have been training at the academy (Dinkers Academy) for the World Cup,” he said, adding, “I am also undergoing my fitness classes regularly. I believe my preparations are going very well for the selection trials.”
With the IPA set to consider players’ overall performances since the previous edition of the Pickleball World Cup while finalizing the squad, Dev’s impressive trophy cabinet – featuring 17 medals, including nine golds – could significantly strengthen his case.
Dev is particularly pleased with his Tanzania Open experience, as it gave him the chance to test himself against players from the UAE and South Africa who are expected to compete at the World Cup.
“This was the second time I played in Tanzania. The experience and the vibe were really good. I had some good matches also in the semifinals and finals. I would love to go there again next year,” Dev appraised.
Reflecting on pickleball in Tanzania, Dev said, “Players are really fast. There are so many upcoming players. But tournaments happen there regularly. Hence, they lack experience. But I think the more exposure they get, the better they will get. But compared to last year, this year the players from Tanzania were very fast.”
“I think the US is better in terms of players and number and quality because the tournaments happening over there are really in a great number. So, they have much more exposure,” he added.
The overseas exposure ahead of the Pickleball World Cup, which is set to be held from August 30 to September 6 in Da Nang, Vietnam, Dev hopes, will play a pivotal role.
No pressure
The U18 category is one of the toughest, with notable youngsters such as Arjun Singh, Kiaan Contractor, Purvansh Patel and Aariv Raj Khanna set to compete at the trials. Asked about the challenge, Dev Shah displayed unwavering confidence in his abilities and said he was keen to avoid putting himself under unnecessary pressure.
“I have worked pretty hard, and I am not taking any pressure about winning or losing. I will just try to give my best and hope for the best results,” said the BBA student.
He has an identical approach towards the Pickleball World Cup, should he be selected by the IPA. This year’s Pickleball World Cup promises to be an exciting event, with American and European players gathering in the sultry weather conditions of Da Nang. Vietnamese stars such as Ly Hoang Nam, Phuc Huynh, and Truong Hien are also in terrific form, while players from Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, and China will be equally determined to prove themselves.
But Dev is unfazed by the prospect of intense competition. Backing his preparation and international exposure, the youngster believes success will depend on adapting to the conditions and trusting his strengths.
He says, “There is no strategy currently because you analyze the situation over there. Play on your strengths and be calm during the situation. I will use all the experience from the other international tournaments I have received.”
As franchises begin their talent hunt for the second season of the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL), Dev has firmly placed himself on their radar. A fruitful Pickleball World Cup campaign would further strengthen his case for landing a deal this time around.
