Don’t Lose Focus, Follow The Process: Priyam Garg Counsels India U19 Players Ahead Of World Cup Game

India Under-19 team will kick off their World Cup campaign on Saturday as the Yash Dhull-led side play 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.

India U19 team aim fifth ICC World Cup:

The 17-member squad are all set to aim for their fifth title and if one looks at individual level, the players will strive to get the attention ahead of the IPL 2022 Auction.

Under-19 could be a short-cut to playing for India: Priyam Garg

Uttar Pradesh batter 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.

“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 which needs maturity, but we are very immature. So, take help from your family,” Garg told The Indian Express.

“Don’t lose focus, follow the process, never compromise on your ethics. Be prepared to hear taali (applause) and gaali (brickbats), we live in a country which 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.

“Under-19 could be a short-cut 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,” he added.

Former Indian cricketer Hrishikesh Kanitkar is the current head coach of India’s U19 team. Kanitkar said the team needs to focus on the World Cup and not bother about IPL auctions.

Also Read: ICC U19 World Cup: Doesn’t Help That We Have Won Four Times: India U19 Head Coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar Urges Players To Start Fresh