Young Yuvraj wants to be a part of India U-19 team

Sumit Singh

Chandigarh, May 25 

Yuvraj Chaudhary struck with both bat and bowl to help Chandigarh lift the prestigious ML Markan Trophy at the PCA Stadium last week and the young all-rounder says he will to strive for a place in the India U-19 squad.      

"My aim is to be a part of the U-19 Cricket World Cup which would be held in New Zealand in 2018," said the Chandigarh U-16 skipper.   

The youngster scored a crucial 74 in the first innings of the Markan Trophy final against the hosts Mohali to lift his side to a competitive 255 runs and then struck thrice with the ball to restrict the opponents to just 111. 

The budding cricketer from Roorkee, who studies at the DAV Public School, Sector 8, impressed one and all with his skills as he bagged 36 wickets and scored nearly 300 runs during the tournament.  

"My hard work and perseverance have led me till here," Chaudhary said when asked about success mantra.  

The budding cricketer though thanked his family, particularly his brother Manish, and coach Amit Uniyal for the necessary support and guidance.  

"It was my brother (Manish) who introduced me to the game. He taught me the nuances of the game and later seeing my progress he sent me to Chandigarh," said Chaudhary, who is gearing up for the U-19 inter-district tournament for Dhruv Pandove Trophy. 

In Chandigarh, Chaudhary joined the Gursagar Cricket Academy where he was guided by former Punjab speedster Amit Uniyal. 

"Uniyal sir mujhe bahut support kartey hai aur hamesha positive rehne ko boltey hai (Uniyal sir supports me a lot and always tells me to stay positive)," he said. 

It is this feature of staying positive in adversity which made Chaudhary blast 74 runs in just 63 balls when his side was struggling at 167/8 against Mohali on the opening day of the Markan Trophy final.      

Asked about the source of his unflinching motivation, the Chaudhary said: "When I see my father work so hard on the field it gives me a lot of positive energy and motivates me to achieve better things in life. I want to fulfil all the dreams of my parents by donning India colors and make them proud."