'I hope I'll have my feet on the ground and not fly off'


The following are excerpts



Has life changed in the last four-five days?

It's not that my life has changed, but people now know us... Being away from India, we didn't really know how our performances were being received, but it's obvious that everybody rejoiced when we won. It's good to be noticed... Today, there's so much of media attention, which is something new for us U-19 players.


I'd slept well and had woken up with positive thoughts... I was able to control the pressure, didn't allow it to get the better of me. I must compliment ('keeper) Smit Patel for the wonderful partnership.


There are advantages and disadvantages, but it helped that we played where there weren't distractions.


Not much... I did talk to him briefly a few times, before the day's play. Chappell said I've got a "bright future." He also advised that I continue to play the way I've been doing.

Are you now impatient for the Team India cap?

Oh no... There's a time for things to happen. Right now, I'm focusing on India A's tour of New Zealand... I have a few days off and, then, have to come back here for a camp before we leave. It's for the first time that I've been selected for India A and I'd like to make a contribution.

There's this fear that too much of adulation could change the attitude of some... That success may go to their head... What's your take?


Have you always opened?

Most of the time, but I've batted at No.3 as well.

Over the years, have you idolised any cricketer?

Sachin Tendulkar... He's amazing and the team felt privileged when he spoke to us for 40-45 minutes before we left for the World Cup. It was a confidence-building lecture from him and there were suggestions on how to cope with pressure. It was a great experience for us... In recent times, I've begun admiring Virat Kohli... He's been getting runs under pressure, scoring big despite the target being stiff. There's something to learn from him.


He praised me and wished me (more) luck.


I haven't tried to copy anybody, but I've noted the calm manner in which (Mahendra Singh, a fellow-Rajput) Dhoni leads the team... He's good to watch... Communication is vital and a rapport with the players essential.

Have you had a word with Dhoni?

Not yet, but I hope to speak to him soon.

You've played Pakistan a few times... Have you felt the pressure which the Big Boys feel? Gautam Gambhir, for example, can't sleep the night before a face-off against Pakistan...

Instead of looking at the opposition being Pakistan or being Australia, I and my team just took it one match at a time. I wouldn't say one faced more pressure.


Yes, I've filled up a couple of them! It's not that I write every single day. It's a hobby. I also like reading.

Did you get the time to write on Sunday?


How did you get the idea of keeping a diary?


Are you a movie buff by any chance?



Well, I've just shaken hands with him once, this year... Shah Rukh's a self-made man and handles things very well... I admire the way he interacts with the media.


That would be nice.


Swimming... I'm in awe of Michael Phelps and watched the live telecast of some of his races in the recent Olympics... He's a legend.

You're the lone child. Have your parents pampered you?

Yes and no!


(Laughs) Let's see.