Virender Sehwag believes Manjot Kalra could be fast tracked into State team

The former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has lavished praises on Manjot Kalra who smashed an unbeaten ton in the U19 World Cup final against Australia. His knock helped the team gun down the total of 216 with utter ease after which the Boys in Blue won the marquee event for the record fourth time. Manjot scored 101 runs off just 102 deliveries with 8 fours and three maximums. However, Sehwag has backed him to play for Delhi straightaway after his confident show with the bat in the tournament.

The left-handed opener accumulated 252 runs in five innings at an impressive average of 84 at a decent strike rate of 89.36. His lofted strokes were reminiscent of Yuvraj Singh who was known for his high backlift in his U19 days as well. He was praised by a lot of current and former cricketers after a superb knock and also played the perfect foil to Shubman Gill and the skipper Prithvi Shaw who actually rocked throughout the competition.

Viru backs Manjot

Virender Sehwag, however, was not entirely surprised with the way Manjot Kalra batted in the final. He backed the youngster to go far in the game of cricket with the temperament and skills he possesses. “I have been saying that Delhi has some awesome talent and Manjot is one to be watched closely. I just loved his batting (in the U19 World Cup final) and am convinced he can be fast tracked to the state team. He has the temperament and skills to go far in this game. He has the strokes to keep the fielders busy. He can be a devastating batsman,” he was quoted as saying by sportstar live.

Kalra’s coach Suresh Batra also spoke highly of him and praised the youngster for his performance in the final. “I realised that Manjot was knocking the ball so sweetly. I convinced his father to concentrate on his younger son and I am glad I made the right decision. Hitesh went on to play for Delhi under-17 and it was a matter of time before Manjot would make his presence felt,” said Batra.