New Delhi, March 4 (NationPress) Yash Dhull, the captain of India's U-19 team that clinched the 2022 World Cup, shares that the transition from youth cricket to the senior domestic arena has been as much about mental evolution as it is about actual gameplay. The emerging batter from Delhi asserts that the experience of mingling with veteran players has profoundly altered his perspective on cricket, aiding his development as both an athlete and an individual.

The shift from youth to senior cricket, particularly in competitions like the Ranji Trophy, presented him with newfound challenges and insights.

“Your mindset undergoes a transformation. Leading as captain and then stepping into senior domestic cricket, where you’re surrounded by experienced athletes, creates a whole new atmosphere. Being in the company of seniors boosts your confidence, and that experience impacts your game and mentality,” Dhull remarked in an exclusive interview with IANS.

With India nearing another T20 World Cup final, Dhull expressed his confidence in the team's balance and morale.

“The recent match against West Indies was vital, and they secured a commendable victory. Sanju Samson's performance was outstanding. Currently, the team's mindset is very positive. I am optimistic that India will win the final this time,” he stated.

He particularly highlighted Ishan Kishan’s impressive comeback. “His revival and performance in the World Cup are remarkable. Similarly, Sanju's return and match-winning contribution can further elevate India’s chances,” Dhull praised.

The 23-year-old reflected on his match-winning hundred during the U19 World Cup 2022 semi-final, considering it a pivotal moment that reshaped his approach as a batsman and a leader.

“Scoring a century in the semi-final felt like a dream because it’s such a critical juncture. Initially, I never imagined I would become captain. Then, to score 100 in such a significant match felt like it was meant to be, and I am thankful for that,” he expressed.

His smooth transition to senior cricket, marked by a century on his Ranji debut, came during what he describes as a special period.

“Everyone experiences a phase where everything aligns perfectly. When you keep performing consistently, there’s an undeniable energy; you enjoy playing and achieving. At that time in my life, everything was going swimmingly,” he noted.

Having batted in both the opening and middle-order, Dhull clarified his long-term vision, saying, “I see myself primarily as a team player. It depends on where I can best contribute. I prepare accordingly.”

However, when asked about his preferred batting position, the young Delhi player was honest. “I’ve been batting at one-down for Delhi, and I find that position suits me well. I enjoy facing the new ball, so number three is ideal, but one-down is my preference,” he revealed.

Dhull showcased impressive performances in both formats last season, boasting a strike rate of 167 in the DPL and finishing as Delhi’s second-highest run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy.

When questioned about this, he stated, “You simply need to be mentally prepared because sometimes you’re playing red-ball cricket and at other times white-ball. During practice, we alternate between red and white ball sessions. It’s all about mental adaptability.”

He appreciates the unique excitement each format brings. “In T20, the dynamics can shift in a single over. In one-day cricket, momentum oscillates continuously. In Tests, sometimes the outcome remains uncertain until the fourth day. Each format offers its own thrill,” he elaborated.

Dhull also shared insights into his childhood heart condition and subsequent surgery, a phase he considers transformative.

“That time was challenging, but it taught me a lot about life. I gained a better understanding of myself, recognized my mistakes, and learned how to build mental strength. Just when things were going smoothly, I faced a setback. My motivation was to recover swiftly and return in better form,” he shared.

He reassuringly added, “Thankfully, everything is fine now. I stopped taking medication over a year ago. I lead a completely normal life like everyone else.”

With aspirations for the national team, Dhull believes that comeback stories impart lessons beyond cricket. “Engaging with individuals who have made significant comebacks offers insights into life’s challenges. When someone accomplishes a comeback, the emotion is indescribable; only those who have experienced it can truly understand,” he stated.

For Dhull, the journey from U-19 success to senior ambitions is still evolving, but clarity of role, adaptability, and resilience already mark the path ahead.