India U-19 skipper Yash Dhull wants team to enjoy the pressure

Yash Dhull

India's U-19 skipper Yash Dhull sounds very confident ahead of the start of the team's U-19 World Cup campaign against South Africa at Guyana on Saturday. There are high expectations from Dhull and his team as he looks to carry forward the legacy of former U-19 World Cup-winning captains - Mohammed Kaif (2000), Virat Kohli (2008), Unmukt Chand (2012) and Prithvi Shaw (2018). However, the Delhi-based batsman is not too concerned about the expectations and instead wants his teammates to absorb and enjoy the pressure in the Caribbean Isles.

"We have a plan and will approach things one game at a time. If we play in this manner, we will surely achieve our goal. Pressure toh game me rehna hi hai lekin agar pressure enjoy karke khelenge to aur maja aayega khelne me [there will always be pressure in a match, but if we can enjoy that pressure, we will have fun playing]," Dhull said during a virtual press conference from Guyana on Thursday, replying to mid-day's query on how his team will respond to the pressure of expectations.

The same Indian team clinched the U-19 Asia Cup, beating Sri Lanka by nine wickets in the final at Dubai last month. And head coach, former India batsman Hrishikesh Kanitkar has advised his boys to keep it simple, just like they did in the UAE.

"You just need to keep your focus on the basics and be clear in your thinking. If the mind is tuned, working and sharp, then the rest will follow," said Kanitkar. India are placed in Group B alongside South Africa, Ireland and Uganda in the 16-team competition (January 14-February 14).