From winning the Under-19 Asia Cup title to World Cup glory, the Indian colts' skipper Yash Dhull has seen it all. It didn't stop here, Yash also struck a deal with Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League's (IPL) mega auction where he was roped in for Rs 50 lakhs. By all means, he proved everyone his IPL worth by smashing a sensational century in his debut in the Ranji Trophy. Yash Dhull began his senior cricket career in style as he scored a 113 off 150 for Delhi against Tamil Nadu.
Yash Dhull always knew that a smooth transition from age-group to first-class level can only happen if he is ready to counter challenges and that is precisely what worked for him on his Ranji Trophy debut for Delhi against Tamil Nadu.
When asked to open against a formidable domestic side like Tamil Nadu, he proved his batting prowess once again with a cracking ton that had no less than 18 boundaries.
"In my cricket career, there has been a lot of coaches but someone who had guided me from childhood is Rajesh Nagar sir. Nagar sir had told me that when Ranji Trophy will come, I might be asked to open, so I should be mentally prepared," Yash said.
Confidence beamed through Yash's face when he said that he wants to make a mark with consistent performances but for that he needs chances.
"Whatever the team demands from you, it needs to be done without any questions asked. I am ready to bat any position. I am just starting off in my career and now I need to make a mark with consistent performances and for that I need chances. So when you are told to play, you need to be ready to grab that chance. When I was informed that I would be opening the innings, mentally I was ready," he added.
The resilient Yash was on the brink of missing the biggest tournament of his promising career due to COVID-19, days after starring in India's U-19 World Cup opener.
It was even more praiseworthy as Dhull had not played any red ball cricket this season after being named for India U-19 side before the Cooch Behar Trophy (National U-19 days format) even started.
"Cricket at this level will be as much about mindset as it is about technique. It's all in the mind and if I can have the right attitude, then things will fall in place," the youngster showed maturity beyond years.
So what is Dhull's process of preparing for a big match? "I do my visualisations of how I am going to play a particular bowler," said the 19-year-old.
"Try to watch videos and close my eyes and try to be in that zone where I can see the bowler running up and I am in mind deciding on a particular shot that I intend to play. What will he bowl to me and what will be my reaction time, all these things I try and visualize," he explained.
He played a quite a number of pull-shots and the best part was how he rolled his wrists to ensure that he didn't play them in the air.
"Well, from my childhood, when I started taking coaching lessons, I have been practising all types of shots and certainly pull is one of them. You have trained for all these years for these times when in actual match situation, you can execute them perfectly.
"I always had faith in my core skills and confidence that when the situation arises I won't fail in execution," he replied politely but also exuded confidence at the same time," Yash further added.
The talented Yash certainly has a lot in store for him as he continues to make strides in cricket and by each baby step he is proving his potential to feature in the International cricket soon.
