After run scoring spree this season,Prashant has eyes set on future

Delhi may have exited early in the Ranji Trophy this season but if anyone has any doubts as to the talent base in the Delhi cricket scene he will only have to know of talented youngsters like Prashant Bhandari to lay to rest their worries.

Delhi may have exited early in the Ranji Trophy this season but if anyone has any doubts as to the talent base in the Delhi cricket scene he will only have to know of talented youngsters like Prashant Bhandari to lay to rest their worries. The 16 year old all-rounder set the Vijay Merchant Trophy,India’s premier U-16 competition,alight with a massive 814 runs at 101.75,including four centuries,in the seven matches of the competition as the Delhi U-16 team romped home with the title.

The talented batsman almost had more,with three near misses,including 89 against Punjab and scores of 86 and 85 in the quarter final against Jharkhand. The amazing statistics don’t end there. He also took 23 wickets,including two five-wicket hauls,becoming his team’s lead wicket taker at 18.47 with his off-spin.

However,the amazing run in the tournament doesn’t seem to have gone to Bhandari’s head. I just play my natural game, Bhandari said. I don’t think about the previous match. I just keep looking forward to upcoming matches. If I score a hundred in a previous match,then I have scored it and then I forget it, he added. The attitude,Bhandari says is something he has got from his coaches. While they always advised him to play his natural game,they told him to concentrate on the innings to come.

And this attitude has paid off,quite literally,with the all-rounder receiving RS 70,000/- from the DDCA for his efforts in a ceremony on Monday,honouring players from the U-16 team and the Delhi U-19 who finished runners up in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy.

Despite huge success at such a young age,the 16 year old works hard to make sure he stays on top of his game with a rigorous training regime. I practice every weekday,almost all day. Only sometimes,when I have to play some match,do I skip the practice. Otherwise I am a regular at practice. I train everyday with net practice and fielding practice. I practice everything,all the time, he said.

Being such a talented player with both bat and ball,this amount of work is necessary for him to keep both skills razor sharp,although he does have a favourite among the two. I see myself as an all-rounder,but I prefer batting,” Bhandari said. I am working hard on my bowling as well but batting is my main strength, says Bhandari who ironically started out as a bowler.

Now in 11th standard and staring down the barrel of his Board exams,Bhandari is set to chase him dream to play for Delhi and maybe even chase higher honours. I want to play for Delhi but then I really want to play for India also, Bhandari said.

Story continues below this ad

Bhandari explains that he has no problems staying motivated. I just like cricket. I like the sound of the ball coming off the bat. I also like the sound of everyone clapping out off the field. And if Bhandari has more seasons like the one he has had in 2010,he will undoubtedly be hearing a lot more of the latter sound.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
Ranji Trophy