Mayank Dagar follows uncle Virender Sehwag's footsteps

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag’s nephew Mayank Dagar has replicated his uncle’s feat as he represented India in the U19 Cricket World Cup, which is going on in New Zealand currently. Sehwag represented India in the 1998 U19 World Cup and went on to play 104 Tests, 251 ODIs and 19 T20Is for the county at the highest level.

Dagar has been roped in by Kings XI Punjab in the IPL auctions. He will, therefore, associate with Sehwag, who is the  Director of Cricketing Operations in the Kings’ camp. Dagar was snapped for his base price of INR 20 lakh. The youngster has played 11 First Class matches so far and has scored 176 runs. He has scalped 30 wickets, including a five-wicket haul.

“I still have a picture of Viru mama in the Indian team blazer from the 1998 U19 World Cup,” an excited Dagar told Times of India.

“He is a legend and a big personality. He is always hard-pressed for time. Even I don’t go to Delhi very often,” the left-arm spinner explained. “But I have trained with him a few times. We spoke before I came here. He said just play your natural game, and try and implement what you have learnt. And, of course, enjoy these days,” he added.

No desire of switching to Delhi

He also credited the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Board for their role in shaping the careers of the youngsters. Dagar also added that he has no desires to switch his base to Delhi.

“The facilities in Dharamshala are excellent. You don’t get such facilities in any other state. Anurag Thakur sir takes care of every need of the cricketers. I have never thought of shifting to Delhi,” said the 19-year-old.

“There are good colleges in Himachal. I want to study Shakespeare. Studying helps me keep my mind off cricket and also broadens my world view.”