The Homecoming

Has the feeling of winning the World Cup sunk in yet? How does it feel to get such a rousing welcome back home?

Actually the feeling is still sinking in. Ever since we won the World Cup,we have been travelling. I think it will take two to three more days to finally realise that we have won the World Cup. Moreover,I never expected that we will receive such a warm welcome back home. I was shocked to see so many people and mediapersons gathered at the airport and also outside my house in Nayagaon.

What did you do first when you entered your home after a month or so?

We have been away from home for over a month. I missed home-cooked food in Australia. So,on reaching home,the first thing I did was eat my favourite ‘Rajmah chawal’ cooked by my mother.

Till the semifinal against New Zealand you were India’s highest scorer. How nervous were you before going into the final? Did that nervousness affect your mind?

Everyone was nervous before the final. Taking on Australia on their home soil was always going to be tough for us. I too was nervous. I was getting goosebumps on the eve of the match. But our coaches and the support staff pitched in with inspiring chats to make us feel comfortable. Moreover,the players themselves pulled jokes on each other to ease out things. I was completely fine on the match day.

You must have been disappointed on getting out in the final against Australia for a duck? The chase looked tough when India lost 4 wickets within 100 runs.

Oh,I was utterly disappointed. The wicket that we got to play in the final was the best to bat on during the entire tournament. When I stepped on the ground,I was excited. But unfortunately,I got out early. Yes,we were in trouble once four batsmen were back in the pavilion. At the same time,we had belief in Unmukt’s abilities. We knew if he played till the 50th over,we will win.

How hungry were you to perform after you did not get a chance to represent in the Asia Cup that happened before the WC?

I had been hungry to perform since the quadrangular series that happened in Vizag last year. I could not make it to the Indian Colts team at that time. So,I put all my energy while playing for Himachal Pradesh at the domestic circuit. Then,I scored heavily at the U-19 circuit and also made the cut for HP list A team. Then I was selected for a quadrangular series in Australia,but sadly I just got one match to play there. By that time I was very hungry to perform well. Then came the heart break when I was overlooked for the U-19 Asia Cup. Finally when I got into the WC team,I decided to go all guns blazing.

Do you think you had a point to prove to the selectors during the WC,as you were given a cold shoulder by them by not including your name in the Indian team for the Asia Cup?

I had a point to prove,but not to anyone else but to myself. It was unfortunate that another in-form opener Manan Vohra got injured and had to miss out on the WC. I knew that Unmukt and Akhil would be the first choice for opening during the WC. However,when I scored 67 runs against Afghanistan in the warm-up match,I was told that I will play against the West Indies in the first match. I was over the moon. As the tournament went on,I played some useful knocks up the order.

What road lies ahead for Prashant Chopra?

After taking rest for few days,I will be back on the cricket field. The domestic season is around the corner and I am all pumped-up for the domestic challenge. I want to make a mark for Himachal Pradesh team at the senior level. I reckon making a cut in the senior team for the Ranji Trophy will be on my mind. Sharing the dressing room with the senior players would help me raise my game.

How would you describe the U-19 WC stint for yourself?

Winning the WC was like a dream coming true for me. I want to keep the form going like this as I have made my name in this WC. Sachin Tendulkar is my idol,and like him I too want to chase my dreams.