Basil Sylvester Pinto
PANAJI
Only the third Goan lad to represent India at the U-19 level after keeper-batsman, Rahul Keni who played a Youth Test against England and seamer all-rounder, Saurabh Bandekar who represented India at the U-19 World Cup in 2006 , the strapping medium-pacer Heramb Parab, who was a part of the successful campaign at the Youth Asia Cup in Sri Lanka last month, is the toast of Goan cricket right now.Speaking telephonically, the unassuming Margao Cricket Academy protegee, revealed exclusively to The Goan that his experience in the Emerald Isle was heart-warming though he had only two bites with the cherry.
"I got my first game against Malaysia and had returned 1/10 from my four overs. I was initially a bit nervous but later my confidence grew into the game. I got my second opportunity against the home side, Sri Lanka and figures of 2/39 in nine overs was satisfying," Parab stated. Talking further on the experience he gained in Sri Lanka, Parab revealed that their coach and former India player, Rahul Dravid was quite the mentor and learning from him has been good and a big thing for him. He also stated that the batting legend instructed him to work on his accuracy. While his bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey had taught him another variation of a slower bouncer.
Now with the Margao-based lanky youngster being chosen as part of an 18-member squad against the touring English colts for a five-match Youth ODIs in Mumbai starting from January 30, Parab has stepped up his preparations.
"I have been having good fitness sessions in the last one week (January 12-19) as a part of a 25 player group at National Cricket Academy, Bengaluru under the watchful eyes of fitness trainer, Prashant and physios, Yogesh and Niranjan. They have been monitoring our strength and conditioning. And I am looking forward to the England series," he stated. On another question, he said that he does not expect much difference in the conditions from Sri Lanka to Mumbai, but stated that Sri Lanka would have been definitely warmer.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Margao Cricket Academy, Sportsweek CC and SAG Borda RCC have wished Heramb the very best in his endeavour to keep India and Goa team's flag flying high.
Te Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday announced the team for the upcoming five-match Under 19 One-day series to be held in Mumbai from January 30 to February 8.
India U-19 ODI Squad
Heramb Parab, Het Patel, Himanshu Rana, Ayush Jamwal, Vivekanand Tiwary, Prithvi Shaw, Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Harvik Desai, Rahul Desraj Chahar, Kamlesh Singh Nagarkoti, Salman Khan, Priyam Garg, Shiva Singh, Yash Thakur, Mayank Rawat, Rohan Kunnumal, Ishan Porel.
