Ricky Ponting is preparing us for things he has already achieved in his career, says Prithvi Shaw
Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Prithvi Shaw has revealed that Ricky Ponting and Gautam Gambhir are preparing the youngsters mentally and working hard with them. His teammate Manjot Kalra feels that he is learning a lot irrespective of whether he gets a spot in the playing XI or not.
The Under-19 World Cup has brought about a massive success in Indian cricket. Not only did India win the title for the record fourth time, but it also helped them discover some high-quality young cricketers who are extremely talented and ready to perform on the big stage. While impressive performances in the World Cup in New Zealand helped them earn IPL contracts, their major focus was on the World Cup and they did it splendidly. However, now these youngsters will be sharing the dressing room with international stars which will undoubtedly help them learn a lot.
The Delhi Daredevils think-thank bought the likes of Prithvi Shaw and Manjot Kalra in the auctions which were held in the last week of January earlier this year. The duo performed very well in the Under-19 World Cup and helped India lift the title. It’s been about 3 or 4 days since Prithvi Shaw who was bought for Rs 1.2 crore in the auction joined the pre-season camp and they have already gained some good exposure.
“So far it has been really good. All these practice sessions are helping us come together as a group. It has just been 3-4 days we have been together but seems longer than that,” Prithvi Shaw was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
Skipper Gautam Gambhir and coach Ricky Ponting have been a helping hand to many youngsters. In fact, Gambhir had a successful seven years with KKR while Ponting had a fabulous run as the Mumbai Indians coach.
“I met Gambhir sir yesterday because he was not well before. He asked us about our experience in the World Cup. Ricky Ponting has been working with me for the past 3-4 days in the practice sessions. He is working hard with the team and we are looking forward to IPL.
“Ponting told us that in T20 cricket you got to be mentally prepared for whatever situations arise. He said T20 cricket is quite pacy and there is almost no time to settle down. He is preparing us for things he has already achieved in his career,” the Under-19 World Cup-winning captain admitted.
Manjot Kalra who scored a century in the all-important final of the Under-19 World Cup against Australia was bought for his base price of Rs 20 Lakh. He too joined the days for the pre-season camp just a few days back. Given the vast options Delhi have at their disposal, the left-handed opener might not make the starting XI.
“Senior players in the team will obviously get an opportunity. But it is not about getting chances to play, what is important that there will be a lot to learn. It does not matter whether we play or not. The aim is to give 100 percent whenever he gets a chance. Even if we are in the dugouts we will get a lot to learn,” Manjot Kalra said.
Delhi Daredevils start their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 8 (Sunday) and it will be interesting to see whether these two under-19 stars feature in the first XI.