Sunrisers Hyderabad

Priyam Garg, who was the captain of the India U19 team in the previous edition of the tournament, has a piece of advice for the Indian Colts on how to approach the tournament. Former Indian cricketer Hrishikesh Kanitkar is the current head coach of India’s U19 team. Hrishikesh Kanitkar said the team needs to focus on the World Cup and not bother about IPL 2022 auctions.

India Under-19 team will kick off their World Cup campaign on Saturday as the Yash Dhull-led side plays against South Africa U19 team at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. India U19 team have won four World Cup titles since winning for the first time in the year 2000 and followed the success in 2008, 2012 & 2018.

Priyam Garg: U19 World Cup Is A Shortcut Before Playing For India But Urges Players Not To Get Distracted By Fame And Attention

As India begins its ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign in the West Indies, the skipper at the previous edition says the tournament should be treated as a stepping stone to reach higher levels and advises the current batch not to be distracted by the sudden fame and attention that comes their way.

“It’s hard not to be nostalgic about the Under-19 World Cup. I remember our batch played continuous cricket throughout the year before the World Cup. We had series in South Africa, Sri Lanka and India. So preparation-wise, we were prepared mentally. We had gained some experience before the World Cup. It was a proud moment for me when I was handed the task to lead the team. It was a big platform and we tried hard to bring back the crown, but couldn’t,” said Priyam Garg.

“India’s under-19 players get similar attention and fame like the senior cricketers, especially as the World Cup gets closer. It’s the first time we all face such a situation where everyone recognises us, everyone talks about us. It’s the biggest challenge for an 18-year-old kid, who is trying to find a route to reach the top level,” said Priyam Garg.

“Sadly, a player doesn’t get such fame when playing for their state teams. And the problem starts when a player unknowingly expects such fame permanently, which is never going to be the case. I feel those who can face that situation calmly and keep their head down, will find success ahead,” said Priyam Garg.

“After the under-19 level, the cricketers get to the senior state level where they have to match the performance of players who are more mature than them. First-class cricket is another big challenge,” said Priyam Garg.

“Luckily, my family doesn’t understand much about cricket, and my father only told me to grab the opportunity. I remember when it was announced that I will captain the India under-19 team, I was in Bengaluru but back home, we had visitors, media, and well-wishers coming to greet our family. There were journalists coming on a daily basis to interview my family; it’s something none of us had ever experienced,” said Priyam Garg.

Priyam Garg has played 19 games for his franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad and scored 205 runs averaging 14.64.

Priyam Garg’s Aim Was To Represent Senior Indian Team One Day

He lays emphasis on working hard and not deviating from the schedule, not taking their eye off the ultimate goal – which should be playing for the senior national team. Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav will lead the Uttar Pradesh squad in the Ranji Trophy 2022. Karn Sharma has been named as the vice-captain of the squad which included the likes of Shivam Mavi and Priyam Garg.

“I was lucky to have played Ranji Trophy before, so my aim was clear from Day One. I have to represent the senior Indian team one day. Around the time of the Under-19 World Cup, there was also an IPL auction to be held but it never hit my mind because my thought process was clear. Once I returned, it was a similar kind of buzz. The phone kept ringing, well-wishers came calling. During all this, players have to keep their priorities right.”

“For instance, even when I was picked as captain of the under-19 team, I didn’t change my schedule – my gym session, nets session, rest and sleep early. Only in my free time, did I take the phone in my hand. The day a player compromises on this routine, I feel the distraction starts, the chances of making progress go down, following the process is very important. Sleeping on time and getting up early is the key.”

“Like me, these current players will also make temporary friends, social media will attract them, agents will run behind them, the world will run behind you. My only advice to this under-19 team is to think about the long term and make the best decision from that perspective. Under-19 is the age that needs maturity, but we are very immature. So, take help from your family.”

“Don’t lose focus, follow the process, never compromise on your ethics. Be prepared to hear applause and brickbats, we live in a country that has billions of people. So don’t expect that everyone is your well-wisher. Now with the IPL auction coming up, everyone will want to be part of the glamorous league. It has fame, money, everything.”

“Once you play for your country, these things will come automatically. Decide an off-day where you want to do things outside cricket. Players can judge that. Under-19 could be a shortcut to playing for India but remember only work ethic, performance, and hard work will help you remain at the top. So keep working hard, even if you don’t find success in this World Cup.”

Priyam Garg played 14 games in his debut IPL season in 2020 and scored one half-century managing 133 runs in 14 games. Captain of the India U19 2020 World Cup, young Priyam Garg led the team to the finals of the tournament. Known to be a gutsy batsman springing up valuable performances in India’s U19 campaign, he was bought by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for 1.9 crores.