New Delhi, Feb 24 (NationPress) Yuvraj Samra is not one to linger on past achievements. Just days after the 19-year-old made headlines by thrashing New Zealand's bowlers for a stunning 110 runs off 65 balls at the Men’s T20 World Cup in Chennai, Canada's rising cricket star chose not to return immediately to his hometown, Toronto.

Instead, Samra, who is both the youngest batter and the first cricketer from the Associate Nations to hit a century in the T20 World Cup, has been rigorously training on various pitches in Mumbai since February 21. He is under the guidance of Jwala Singh, the Mumbai-based coach renowned for developing India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Singh first noticed Samra's potential during a video call arranged by his father, Baljit.

“When I first saw him online with his father a few years back, I informed my team that he was exceptional and required more hands-on training rather than online sessions. His batting technique was remarkably straight, and his hand strength was impressive. Observing him play against New Zealand, where he dominated world-class bowlers, confirmed that he possesses the right mindset for success at the international level,” Singh stated during a virtual interview with IANS.

Samra echoed these sentiments. “Back home in Canada, it's minus 20 degrees, with six months of snow. Playing indoors is a challenge for us. I’m truly thankful to be practicing here in Mumbai on different pitches. The difficulty of batting on these wickets makes it worthwhile; if I perform well, it’s a success, and I’ve been enjoying it immensely,” he remarked.

Singh recognizes the stark contrast between Samra's training conditions at home and his performance in Chennai. He highlights Samra's adaptability as a standout trait. “It’s particularly impressive considering he hails from a country where six to seven months are spent in snow, away from proper turf pitches. Training on varied surfaces in India, such as Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Colombo, showcases his capacity to navigate different playing conditions effectively,” he observed.

Since his arrival in Mumbai, Samra has trained at multiple venues, including the Air India ground, the Thane center of the Mumbai Cricket Club, and a session at Oval Maidan on Tuesday, with the MCA's BKC ground scheduled for Wednesday. This variety in training locations is intentional, and Samra has adapted seamlessly.

“At my academy, the kids frequently practice on turning wickets, yet they often complain about the degree of turn. However, Samra comprehends how to adjust to various conditions, which is quite remarkable. I brought him to the Air India ground, and he adapted to those surfaces as well as my Thane center. Today’s session at Oval Maidan went well, and tomorrow we’ll be at MCA's BKC ground,” Singh explained.

“His ability to perform well across different surfaces indicates his mental strength and understanding of shot execution—this is a distinguishing characteristic of his talent. Many possess skills, yet only a select few can shine during crucial moments, and he is among them,” Singh added.

With a T20 World Cup century already achieved at just 19, Singh's focus is on nurturing Samra's mindset—ensuring he remains hungry, grounded, and consistent. “If someone like Yuvraj Singh, who has played at the highest level and scored hundreds, has already laid a foundation, then the bulk of the work is done. It's vital to keep their minds engaged, motivating them to work hard while emphasizing the importance of consistency in international cricket,” he remarked.

Singh also noted Samra's rapid progress in training, highlighting that within a day, he had improved his back-foot play against short-pitched deliveries by almost 20 percent—a feat that typically takes months for many young players.

He elaborated on Samra's exceptional ability to read the ball. While most batters focus on cues from the release point, Samra tracks the ball from the bowler’s wrist, enabling him to make late adjustments. Throughout four days of practice on varied surfaces, he consistently delivered performances that set him apart from his peers.

Singh was candid about what differentiates players like Samra from those who fade after a promising start. “You need to score every day, which is how I train my players. I strive to instill a hunger for success. Whether you scored a hundred yesterday, it’s irrelevant now; today is what matters,” he stated.

“Learning to maintain consistency in cricket, social interactions, and emotional management is crucial for long-term success. It’s not just about excelling at cricket; it’s about being a good person—how you handle your emotions and treat others counts towards a sustainable career,” he emphasized.

“The key is focus; with focus, all other skills will align towards your goals. I’ve seen many players start strong but eventually drift away. It’s about focus and consistency; I aim to develop them into not just skilled players but also good individuals,” he added.

For his part, Samra seems to have grasped these teachings. Instead of reveling in the acclaim following his remarkable century in Chennai, he is using his time in Mumbai to prepare for what lies ahead, while expressing gratitude to those who have supported him along the way.

“Firstly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone in Canada who supported me throughout my journey and watched my game against New Zealand. Your encouragement means a lot to me, and I want to tell all young players that anything is achievable with hard work. Every dream can materialize, and it’s essential never to cease striving for your aspirations,” he concluded.