Dhoni advice helped me: U-19 skipper Kishan

Mumbai, Jan 19. India Under-19 cricket team's captain Ishan Kishan on Tuesday said he received valuable advice from the senior team's limited overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni recently on how to tackle things during pressure situations. Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batsman Kishan played alongside Dhoni in the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy in the domestic season for Jharkhand.

With the U-19 World Cup due to start on January 27, India will take on Ireland (after Australia pulled out due to security concerns) in their opening match to be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on January 28. The three-time winners (2000, 2008, 2012) are clubbed in Group D with Ireland, New Zealand and Nepal.

Kishan had recently led India to a series win in an U-19 tri-nation tournament also involving Sri Lanka and England, in Sri Lanka. Two weeks before that, India won another tri-nation event, beating Bangladesh and Afghanistan in Kolkata.

"I met Dhoni during the Vijay Hazare Trophy and he helped me with valuable tips on what to do during pressure situations. I think his tips will help me in the process when I captain in the World Cup," Kishan said at a press conference before leaving for Bangladesh.

Kishan said he adapted easily to coach Rahul Dravid because the former India skipper is such a fun loving person. "Dravid sir is a legend in the game. I didn't take much time in adjusting with him. The advice I got from him, I will try to execute them when I captain in the World Cup," he said.

Speaking about the preparations for the forthcoming tournament, the 17-year-old said all players have done their job well till date and are set to take on the best team in Bangladesh. "All the players have done their job well. Be it bowlers, batsmen, all-rounders all have done their job. I hope all execute the plans well in Bangladesh," Kishan said.

Agency