Delhi trio set to join national camp with Cup dreams

After a prolific start to his first class career – he scored 400 runs in 5 games in 2010,18-year-old Unmukt Chand moved down a level to featured in the BCCI’s U-19 cricket tournament that followed the Ranji Trophy where he scored 380 runs in 7 matches,including two centuries and a fifty. Selected for the Delhi Daredevils IPL franchise,Chand scored two fifties in the practice games but once he got a chance to play for the Delhi based franchise,he couldn’t make the most of his opportunities. Despite being unable to impress in the IPL,the 18 year old now aims to fulfill his dream of playing the U-19 World Cup which has been a launch pad for players like Yuvraj Singh,Mohd Kaif and Virat Kohli.

Chand says that he was preparing for the World Cup for the last two years. “For me it is the most important thing. Everyone knows that it is a platform to get spotted quickly if you perform well. I am focusing a lot on the camp which we are scheduled to attend in June,” said Chand. However,he does not underestimate the role the IPL will play in his preparation. “The IPL is helping a lot as you learn things that are handy when playing at a higher level. I still have a long time before the World Cup and I believe every tournament now is very important,” said Chand,talking to Sportline from Hyderabad.

Vikas Mishra

The lanky left arm spinner’s mantra for success is consistency. His ability to keep bowling at a spot and maintaining a nagging control gives him the edge over his competitors. With ten first class matches already under his belt,Mishra,19, has picked 44 victims at an average of 24.56. Mishra also played a single four day match for his state in the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy where he attested his credentials by picking an 8 wicket haul against Saurashtra. Picked by the Daredevils,Mishra still hopes to play in the IPL,but since Delhi isn’t in serious contention for the race,he says his focus has shifted from the T20 format to the 50 over style.

Mishra knows that making it to the U-19 team will be a major stepping stone to his cricketing career. “To be in the probables alone is a huge achievement for me. Now my aim is to perform extraordinarily well in the camp because the competition is going to be fierce. The World Cup is a direct ladder to the India team. If one manages to hog the limelight,the selectors will take note . If given a chance I will try and make the most of it,” says Mishra. With the NCA experience a month away,Mishra is spending long hours at the nets to work on his bowling.

“In a T20 game,there is no room for experiments and you have to contain the run flow but the 50 over game is altogether a different game,I am working to stengthen to my basics,” he adds.

Nitish Rana

The biggest surprise in the probables list is the selection of 17-year-old Nitish Rana. Rana played his first season in the U-19 category in 2010 amassing 410 runs in 4 matches and scoring a couple of tons and a fifty in the Cooch Behar Trophy. Noting his performance in the longer version,DDCA showed faith in him and put him in the 50 over format. Knowing he is younger than the average probable,Rana knows he will have to work harder than others.

“Getting a call is always special. And even more for me who made a debut in the higher age group.My short term goal is to make the best of my U-19 season this time around. If I manage to do that,I may get a chance in the final team,” he says