By Abhishek Roy, IANS
New Delhi : Hard work and hunger to perform better worked for young fast bowler Pradeep Sangwan in his impressive performance in India’s victory in the U-19 World Cup.
Delhi boy Sangwan’s terrific spell of five overs for just 14 runs in the final against South Africa proved crucial in India’s win. The 17-year-old’s nagging line and length posed problems not only for South Africa but also for other teams he played against in the World Cup in Malaysia.
Sangwan comes from the stable of renowned coach A.N. Sharma, who has also coached Virender Sehwag. And the proud coach was elated at the success of his young disciple.
“Everyone who represents India has worked hard and Pradeep was no different. But what made him stand apart was that he was always asking questions to me. He was never satisfied with what he was doing and was always eager to do more,” Sharma told IANS Monday.
Sharma also disclosed that Pradeep called him everyday from Malaysia, asking his coach to assess his performance. “This is what I like about the guy. He was never satisfied and used to ask me ‘what more can I do’. I told him just to bowl proper line and length and this worked for him. He didn’t get many wickets but he gave away very few runs,” he said.
The coach was optimistic that Pradeep will go and play for the senior team and will do his country proud as Sehwag did.
“In the past some good players at the under-19 level had lost way. But I am hoping that Pradeep will play for India very soon.”
Sharma disclosed that both Sangwans and Sehwags are neighbours and it was the senior Sehwag, who with Pradeep’s father brought the youngster to his coaching clinic five years back.
“He used to bowl Veeru (Virender) at the nets and he too was impressed with him. He then fought for Pradeep’s inclusion in the Delhi Renji team. Pradeep never let him down and showed that the selectors were right in picking him up,” said Sharma.