India have best junior talent, says Shaw

The members of the Under-19 World Cup winning team, Prithvi Shaw and Manjot Kalra, are thrilled to be the part of the Delhi Daredevils squad. The duo played stellar roles in helping India clinch a record fourth World Cup title. They also believe India have the best talent in their junior ranks.

The prodigious Shaw was the captain of the squad and Kalra will be remembered for his unbeaten 101 in the final that helped India defeat Australia by eight wickets in February.

"Indian cricket has much more talent than other countries. Especially if you see our spinners, they take so many wickets. During the World Cup, our fast bowlers were also bowling really quick and no one was able to read them properly. And we had the strongest batting side in the world. The skill work of our batsmen was for all to see," Shaw said.

"What we have learned from Under-19 World Cup journey is about coming together as a team. Whenever India won, everyone came together, everyone contributed, each gave his 100 percent, even in practice session. Rahul (Dravid) sir was there to take care of us, he knows what to be told to junior cricketers."

The two were realistic about their chances of a debut in the cash-rich IPL, and were happy to soak in the experience of being in the company of stalwarts like Ricky Ponting and Gautam Gambhir.

"Well there are senior players, so naturally they will be preferred but we will get to learn a lot," Manjot said.

Shaw agreed. "Gambhir sir was asking me how the World Cup was. Ricky sir is also supporting me in the practice session. T20 cricket I feel is about being mentally prepared about what situation is going to come. Ricky sir said it is fast cricket and you don't get much time to settle down there. Small things really matter in T20 cricket. He is preparing us for those things, things which he has already achieved in his career," he said.

"When we get a chance, we will give our best. It's a good opportunity for us to share the dressing room with Gambhir sir and Ponting sir."