U19 World Cup-winning Captain Yash Dhull targets India debut in the next 18 months

India's latest World Cup-winning U-19 squad is bustling. Having a packed schedule, the players, especially skipper Yash Dhull, are enjoying the time of their lives.

The team was felicitated during the 2nd ODI between India and West Indies in Ahmedabad for their remarkable achievement in the Caribbean shores. Following a 30-minute reunion with his family, Dhull visited his school Bal Bhavan in West Delhi. The captain then had to catch a flight to Guwahati as he is likely to make his Ranji debut for Delhi at the same place.

Sharing the details of his tight schedule, Dhull mentioned how he has not slept enough in the last few days. The talented batter has left his good past behind and currently focuses on accomplishing even greater things in the future.

"I have hardly slept the last few days but it is not something I can complain about. What I have done till now is done, I need to focus on what lies in the immediate future," Dhull told PTI.

Reflecting upon his plans to earn an India call-up, the 19-year-old is targeting the next 18 months as the time limit of his international debut.

"That is my target but If I am not able to do that in the 18-month time frame, I will keep working hard till I attain my goal," added the gifted batsman.

While Unmukt Chand won the U-19 World for India in 2012, Virat Kohli achieved the same feat in 2008. However, both the cricketers had contrasting fortunes at the international level after their successful junior cricket outings. While Kohli became the numero uno all-format batsman, Unmukt could not replicate the same performance at the international arena.

"The names you have taken (Kohli and Chand), I am not thinking on those lines. I want to remain humble and not think about the future too much," Dhull said when asked about his earlier counterparts.

"Virat bhai shared his experience with me on what happened with him post the U19 World Cup (in 2008). I got to know a lot from approaching my career from here on, the chat with him has helped me understand things I need to focus on going forward and things I need to avoid," he added.

As the red-ball season approaches the swashbuckling youngster, he asserted that there is a need for a change in his mindset.

"I will have to change my mindset for the red ball game, preparation will be different. I don't think it will be a lot different and tougher than white ball. The red ball does a bit early on but if you can see that initial period batting becomes easier," stated the Delhi batsman. 

"It is all about the mindset from here on. Physically how fit you are. It is not one specific area, I will have to work on all my shots to become a better player," the 19-year old concluded.