Priyam Garg approaches Prithvi Shaw ahead of 2020 U19 World Cup

The ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup is just one month away. The next edition of the marquee Youth World Cup event is set to take place in the rainbow nation, South Africa, between January 17 to February 09, 2020. India are the current defending champions and the 2020-outfit will be led by Uttar Pradesh batsman Priyam Garg, who’ll look to emulate the heists of Mohammad Kaif [2000], Virat Kohli [2008], Unmukt Chand [2012] and Prithvi Shaw [2018] as one of the leaders who led the Men in Blue to World Cup glory.

But, leading the defending world champions at the biggest stage of them all surely brings a lot of pressure. But not according to skipper Priyam Garg. Champions look it as an opportunity and this is exactly how Garg is approaching it.

“There’s no pressure for me. I am seeing it only as an opportunity to captain a team in such a big tournament. We’ve played so many events, so that’s an advantage for us. As a captain, all I’m thinking about is how to take my team forward; how to navigate the team out of difficult situations.” Priyam Garg, India U-19 captain told reporters as quoted by CricketNext.

“I’ve spoken to Prithvi Shaw a lot” – Priyam Garg

Garg also revealed that he has approached the incumbent champions’ leader Prithvi Shaw for some valuable advice. “Although I haven’t spoken to Virat (Kohli) sir yet, I have spoken to Prithvi sir a lot. He told me your planning, your process and your team-bonding is most important. The more the team will feel a sense of togetherness, the better will they perform.

“Prithvi sir also told me that the team should know what their strengths are. He said that team-bonding played a big role in India’s success in 2018. And he told me the importance of bringing the best out of the players.” Garg revealed.

Meanwhile, coach Paras Mhambrey is quite happy with the preparations and is hugely confident that the all-round Indian squad will repeat the heroics of the batch of 2018.

“We had a good couple of days, some good net sessions at Alur. One of the requirements at Alur was to prepare helpful wickets. We had three practice sessions, played on seamer-friendly or bowler-friendly conditions. So, we’ve done those to the best of our abilities,” Mhambrey said.

“The good thing is that we’re a very balanced side. (We have) seaming all-rounders, spinning all-rounders, quality fast bowlers and batsmen as well. So, those games in South Africa give us an opportunity to experiment and try a few combinations. In case we face such conditions, then we know the right steps.

“We’ve been preparing for the conditions we can expect there. But you also have to be flexible. You go in with one kind of mindset, but the conditions may not turn out that way. Teams that are flexible will always do well. We’re looking at doing that too. We’ve spoken about it and we’re lucky to have a balanced 15.” Mhambrey said.

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