Desh is a policy specialist and a dual-qualified lawyer, licensed to practice in India and New York. He has extensive experience in policy matters, and practiced for several years as a sports lawyer, with a focus on sports governance and sports policy. Over the past several years, Desh has worked exclusively in policy, having most recently served as Officer on Special Duty at NITI Aayog for Sports and Law from 2017-2021. At NITI, he also headed the Access to Justice vertical, and led several initiatives including as the Convener of the NITI Aayog-constituted High Level Committee for formulating an action plan for Online Dispute Resolution in India, chaired by former Supreme Court Judge Justice A.K. Sikri. He was also leading and otherwise involved with several sports policy measures and schemes.

Prior to his time at NITI, Desh was associated with the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi on policy matters in sports governance and sports law from 2016-17. In 2009, he established and headed the Sports law practice at J. Sagar Associates, a premier national law firm, until August 2016, and represented a wide range of Indian and international clients in sports-related and adjacent matters. Desh is a frequent columnist, writing in leading dailies and is the author of Not Out! The incredible story of the Indian Premier League, published by Penguin Random House in April 2016. Desh completed his B.A. (Honors) in Economics from St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi. He is also a former junior national lawn tennis singles finalist.

• Time for a Justice Stack, Financial Express, July 14, 2021 (co-authored with Mr. Amitabh Kant and Ms. Preeti Syal).
• Data can be an asset for governance, growth and public welfare, Hindustan Times, January 12, 2021 (co-authored with Mr. Amitabh Kant).
• Technology could make justice delivery efficient and affordable, Mint, August 12, 2020 (co-authored with Mr. Amitabh Kant).
• Online dispute resolution could help make justice delivery efficient, affordable, and accessible, Times of India Blogs, July 7, 2020 (co-authored with Mr. Amitabh Kant) July 7, 2020.
• More than just a sporting chance, Economic Times, June 15, 2018.
• Formula for revamping sports, Hindu Business Line, November 22, 2012.