Even I am excited about Prithvi Shaw: Virat Kohli

Team India skipper Virat Kohli recently expressed his excitement about the upcoming edition of the ICC U19 World Cup. Kohli had a special mention for the India U19 skipper Prithvi Shaw. Young Shaw has been making the headlines in the domestic circuit with tons on Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy debuts. The Indian cricket team is all set to tour South Africa.

Interestingly, the Indian team will be accompanied by the India U19 team en route their journey to South Africa. The two sides will be in the same flight till they reach Dubai. From there, the senior team will head to South Africa, and the colts will head to New Zealand for the U19 World Cup. Speaking at the pre-tour press conference, Virat Kohli exclaimed that he has been hearing a lot about Prithvi Shaw and is keen on meeting him.

“I’ll be meeting them. Rahul Dravid had asked me to talk to them. Even I’m excited about Prithvi Shaw. I’ve heard a lot about him, Ravi bhai has also spoken very highly of him. He has put up some good performances in first-class cricket. It’s not very easy, very rarely you get to see such players. He has been made the captain ahead of some of the other players who have played Under-19, which means there is some special talent in him,” Virat Kohli quoted.

Big opportunity for the colts

It is worth noting that even Virat Kohli emerged at the biggest stage after leading India U19 to an U19 World Cup win in 2008. He conceded that it is indeed a very big opportunity for the youngsters to understand their game. They need to enjoy this moment and not take too much pressure on themselves.

“If you’re getting an opportunity at this age with live telecast and media coverage, it needs to be respected because you get very few opportunities like this. When they saw us on live TV, did people realise how well we play. It’s a very big opportunity which needs to be understood well. But it is more important that the players don’t take much pressure on themselves and enjoy this,” said the Indian captain.

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