EXCLUSIVE: Don’t want to get carried away and not thinking about IPL auction, will work harder and wait for chances, says India u-19 World Cup winning captain Yash Dhull | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Yash Dhull can’t wait to get back home and place the coveted trophy in front of his late grandfather, Jagat Singh’s photo.
THE ROLE YASH’S GRANDFATHER PLAYED
Yash’s grandfather, an Army man, had instilled the qualities of discipline and dedication in him from an early age. He was the one who guided Yash into cricket. When Yash was 9, Jagat Singh took him to Bal Bhavan School in Dwarka, Delhi, and introduced him to coach Rajesh Nagar.
“The World Cup win is my tribute to my grandfather. Whatever I am today is because of him. He used to travel with me every day. He used to drop me at the academy and pick me up. He carried my cricket kit and bags. If I needed any cricket gear, he always bought that for me. He was the first one who spotted my talent and took me to the academy and introduced me to Rajesh sir.

(PTI Photo)
“Wish he was here today to see me with the trophy. I am dedicating this World Cup to my grandfather. I am sure he is watching me. I want to put the trophy in front of his photo and take his blessings,” Yash told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.
Dhull has become the fifth Indian captain, after Mohammad Kaif (2000), Virat Kohli (2008), Unmukt Chand (2012), and Prithvi Shaw (2018), to lead India to an ICC Under-19 World Cup title. The Dhull-led side defeated England by 4 wickets in the final to lift the coveted trophy at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.
India have always been big favourites to win the u-19 World Cup title, but this effort was an extra special one, considering the way the team bounced back after multiple members contracted the Covid-19 virus. At one time they struggled to field a fully fit playing XI.
But they remained unbeaten and won a record-extending fifth u-19 World Cup title for the country.

India began their journey this time with a 45 run win against South Africa, in which Yash scored a brilliant 82. India then beat Ireland by 174 runs. Then in the match against Uganda, all-rounder Raj Bawa played a record breaking knock of 162, breaking Shikhar Dhawan’s long standing record for the highest score by an Indian batsman at the u-19 World Cup. They thrashed Uganda by a record 326 run margin. In the quarter-finals, they beat Bangladesh , the defending champions, by 5 wickets, then pulled off a superb win against one of the tournament favourites Australia by 96 runs, before sealing the deal with a 6 wicket win vs England in the summit clash.
“This is a big achievement for me, my team, and my country. The final was thrilling. I was sitting in the dugout and getting goosebumps. I want to thank my coach Rajesh Nagar sir and my school (Bal Bhavan) for supporting me a lot. Whether I am out of form, not scoring runs, or going through a lean patch, they have always trusted my abilities and gave me a lot of confidence. They are so happy right now and eagerly waiting to see me with the trophy. I can’t thank Rajesh sir enough. His support and guidance were always enough for me,” Yash told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.
PEP TALK BY VIRAT KOHLI BEFORE THE FINAL
Ahead of the final, Dhull, and his teammates, spoke with the 2008 India Under-19 World Cup-winning skipper, Virat Kohli. The Kohli-led side had defeated South Africa by 12 runs (DLS) to win the title 14 years ago.

“Virat bhaiya told me to remain focussed on the goal and also talked to us about the mindset for the final. He wished me luck and advised me to remain calm and give my hundred percent,” Dhull, who scored a brilliant century vs Australia in the semi-finals of the u-19 World Cup further told TimesofIndia.com.

“The best thing I like about Virat bhaiya that I love to apply to my game is his aggression and his body language. He is always in the thick of things. I also try to do the same,” the 19-year-old further said.
‘DON’T WANT TO GET CARRIED AWAY BY THE SUCCESS OF WINNING THE U-19 WORLD CUP, STILL A LONG WAY TO GO’
Many cricketers who played for India in previous editions of the Under-19 World Cups went on to represent the Indian senior team, including the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Virat Kohli, Manish Pandey, Ravindra Jadeja, Venugopal Roy, Shubman Gill, and Prithvi Shaw.
For Dhull though, the best mantra he can follow at this time is to take everything a step at a time.
“The Under-19 World Cup has just ended. The whole process is a long one. This was just one step and I have to still go a long way. I don’t want to get carried away with this success and want to work harder and be determined to achieve my goals. Of course, I also want to play for India (senior team). But I want to wait for those opportunities,” Dhull further told TimesofIndia.com.

“Whenever I get the chance, I will give it my 100 percent. I also want to play the way Virat bhaiya has played for the country. I want to remain completely focused,” Dhull, who was also named the captain of the ICC team of the tournament at the recently concluded u-19 World Cup further told TimesofIndia.com.
THE IPL LAUNCHPAD
Yash Dhull is also one of the 590 cricketers who are set to go under the hammer during the two-day mega IPL auction which will take place in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13, 2022.
After his exploits with the bat and the way he showcased his leadership skills, he is expected to be bought by a franchise for a big price. As an uncapped player Dhulls base price is Rs 20 lakh.

(Photo: TOI arrangement)
Dhull though knows the importance of staying grounded and focused and to not think about things which are not in his control.
“I am not thinking about the IPL auction right now. IPL is a big platform and has helped Indian cricketers to take their game to another level altogether. I am ready to play for any team, whoever will pick me” Dhull signed off.