Sabyasachi Bagchi: He led from the front as India U19 team lift the U19 World Cup and everyone praised his leadership. Prithvi Shaw didn’t get time to even celebrate the historic victory as he had to go to play for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy just after the tournament. Delhi Daredevils spent 1.2 crore to get the World Cup winning skipper in their squad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well. www.xtratime.in spoke to Prithvi to know his reactions on IPL and the World Cup.
XT: You will play for Delhi Daredevils in this season. How you feel about this?
Prithvi: It’s a proud moment for me as I got Gautam Gambhir in our squad. This is a big achievement for me and my aim is to practice well and get chance in the first eleven.
XT: Generally you open the innings. In IPL Delhi has got Rishabh Pant and Gautam Gambhir as an opener. Will you get success?
Prithvi: It’s not depending on me as I have to play according to what the team management would decide. If they will ask me to play in the middle order I have to obey them but, I personally would love to play as an opener. I played T20 for my club and for Mumbai. So, I don’t think there will be any problem.
XT: Ricky Ponting will be the coach of Delhi. What would you want to learn from him?
Prithvi: I always had a desire to meet and learn from him but, my ideal is Sachin sir. Being a Mumbaikar, I got chance to learn from him. I will ask Ponting that how he maintained aggressive attitude with his batting.
XT: Your leadership in U19 World Cup praised by many, including Sourav Ganguly. How you took the bold decisions at the right time?
Prithvi: I lost my mom at the age of three. So, I know how to fight and I use those experiences in my captaincy. Rahul sir (Dravid) also helped me and my team also played well in the World Cup.
XT: How you celebrated after winning the World Cup?
Prthvi: Not only us but Rahul sir also celebrated with us chanting “India India” and that motivated us but, we don’t get time to celebrate after coming back home.
XT: Do you miss your mom?
Prithvi: Yes, I miss her as she didn’t get chance to see my success but, I have nothing to do regarding this.