I can't be compared to players like Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh, says Manjot Kalra

What's the story?

Ever since his match-winning century in the final of the U-19 world cup against Australia, Indian U-19 cricket team world cup hero Manjot Kalra has been in the news for all the right reasons.

Right from the beginning of India's world cup campaign, Kalra's batting style and technique was compared with the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli.

Speaking to ANI, Kalra quashed the comparison with the legendary cricketers.

"I can't be compared to players like Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh because they are legendary players. I request them not to compare me with them," the Indian U-19 hero told ANI.

In case you didn't know...

The 19-year-old left handed batsman scored a scintillating century in the final of the U-19 world cup against the Kangaroos.

Chasing 217 for victory, Kalra proved to be too good for the Australian bowlers. His knock of 101 in just 102 deliveries consisted of eight fours and three sixes.

The details

Kalra started off extremely well in the tournament, scoring 31 and 86 in the first two games. However, he lost his way in the middle with a string of poor scores. He bounced back in the semifinals against Pakistan with a 47 run knock and then topped it all off with a century in the final.

"I was not thinking much when I was playing the match. I was just concentrating on playing my game. We just wanted to complete the match and lift the trophy," he said about the final.

What's next?

Kalra will hope to transition into the senior cricket team soon and hope to emulate the likes of Virat Kohli and Yuvraj, both, who made their mark in the U-19 level before becoming world class international cricketers.

Author's take:

While the comparisons with Kohli and Yuvraj are a great confidence booster, it could also put a lot of pressure on a youngster like Kalra.

The 19-year-old's response to the comparisons was extremely mature as he did not let it get to his head. He has a long road ahead of him and he will look to make the most of his performance in the world cup.