"Receiving the call was an extremely pleasant surprise," says Indian youngster Shaurya Saran

It's always a moment to cherish when an athlete gets his first call up to represent India. Shaurya Saran, an 18-year-old lad received his first call up for the Indian U-19 team to play four-day games against the Proteas. While preparing for his board examinations, this call up was like a bolt from the blue for this lad. The call-up was a matter of time, considering his astounding performance in the Cooch Behar Trophy 2018-19.

Shaurya scored 623 runs in his 8 matches at a phenomenal average of 56.63 which is inclusive of two centuries against Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Shaurya talks about his Indian team selection and his future endeavours.

How would you like to describe that moment when you received the Indian U-19 team call-up?

Saran: I was expecting it. I had performed well in the Cooch Behar Trophy. Receiving the call was an extremely pleasant surprise. I had to reconfirm it again and again.

What inspired you to choose cricket over all other sports?

Saran: I enjoy other sports as well like badminton, football, table tennis but cricket has been my childhood love.

Mr. Anshuman has been your coach since childhood. What role has he played in your life?

Saran: I would say that I’m privileged to have been associated with many coaches. Anshuman Sir has been one of such pillars and I have huge respect and regard for him.

You scored 2 centuries in the Cooch Behar Trophy 2018-19. How would you like to describe your performance in this prestigious tournament?

Saran: The two centuries against Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu were very critical for the team and helped us to draw the match. I would say that I could have scored a couple of more by converting my 75+ scores into hundreds. I believe my performance could have been more impactful.

Saran aspires to play for Delhi Capitals in Indian Premier League

Indian U-19 team is currently being coached by Rahul Dravid. How much excited are you to train under his guidance?

Saran: I would be fortunate if I get a chance to be coached by Rahul Sir. Apart from cricket technicalities, I would love to learn from his temperament on and off the field. It would be an honour to learn from him.

Which player do you idolize?

Saran: I idolise many players for their different traits in batting, fielding and wicket keeping like Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Ajinkya Rahane, Brendon McCullum, Craig Kieswetter and Joe Root.

U-19 Cricket World Cup is set to take place in South Africa next year. Do you see yourself as one of those players getting a berth in the highly competitive squad?

Saran: Yes, I do think I am one of the contenders. However, my approach is to work hard and work on the present opportunities in hand. Rest of the things would come as we become eligible to deserve.

What would you like to comment upon the coaching staff and the facilities of HPCA?

Saran: HPCA coaching staff and support staff has been very supportive, encouraging and professional. Special thanks to the association for the opportunity and guidance they have provided me.

In a hypothetical situation, you are drafted in the IPL Auction. Which team would you want to be a part of and why?

Saran: All teams in IPL are competitive. Being closer to Delhi, I’ve always supported Delhi Capitals and would like to be a part of the team which believes in challenging the opposition irrespective of the past stats.