The Indian U-19 team has displayed an excellent performance in the ongoing U-19 World Cup in New Zealand. They have comprehensively defeated every opposition lined up in the group stages and even in the knock-outs explosively in their exciting journey so far.

After beating Pakistan by a huge margin of 203 runs in the semi-final encounter, they will now be facing Australia in the final battle to claim the title for the fourth time. In the entire tournament, young captain Prithvi Shaw, who is the skipper of India U-19 team, has emerged as a fine leader and a great prospect for the future of Indian cricket.

Also read: Kohli excited for Shaw

Shaw led the team well in the pressure situations at the higher levels of the game, apart from scoring two crucial half-centuries in this World Cup. His father Pankaj Shaw who is also a keen activist of the sport revealed something about his son’s mindset when he watches his son doing so well.

Mr. Shaw stated that he doesn’t watch his son’s matches as it is quite a tensing moment for him. He only visits some of his club games or local matches and not the big games. He said, “I don’t watch his matches anymore. That’s why I didn’t go to New Zealand. I go for local and club matches only. I get tense. Earlier, I would not even switch on the television unless he was, at least, batting on 60.”

Prithvi’s father had a short conversation on the phone with his son after the semi-final win against Pakistan. During the conversation, the Indian team skipper said that his intensity for the final match against Australia will be the same as they have been doing in the competition so far. Describing the same, Mr. Pankaj said, “It feels good that the team is in the final (against Australia on Saturday). I hope they win it too, but Prithvi needs to do even better. He needs to keep working harder. Abhi toh bohot chhota hai, abhi toh kuch khela hi nahi hai (he is still young and hasn’t played his best cricket yet).”

Also read: Prithvi's support for Team India 

Prithvi’s name came into the recognition after a consistent performance in the tour to England in 2016. Former Indian cricketer Nilesh Kulkarni played a huge role in sending Prithvi to England in 2016, which was his first international tour then. 

Talking about the youngster, Kulkarni said, “As a fellow cricketer, I wanted to support him. But it is his talent and commitment which got him to this stage. Nobody should take credit for this. It is only the player.”