I have been an aggressive batsman since my school days, and I play my game as such.
— Prithvi Shaw
When the time comes to play Irani Cup, if I get the chance, I will make sure I will do my best.
Every cricketer dreams of coming into the Indian side.
School cricket is where we all start. The journey of a cricketer starts from there, and it was the same for me.
Each player wants to perform in every match he plays. Sometimes it happens; sometimes it doesn't. If I am not able to perform in a given match, I leave that behind.
I try to play each ball on its merit.
I was a bit nervous when I first entered the Indian dressing room. Some of the players sitting out there had 10 years of experience and were sitting in front of me. But then Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri told me that there are no seniors or juniors in the team. So I could open up to them easily and irritate them with my questions.
As a captain, I just want to lead the team properly.
I have played for Rizvi since childhood. I have led Rizvi myself for six years, and we continuously won the Harris Shield and Giles Shield.
If I get out when playing a shot which is not a part of my game, then it will be bad.
Once you graduate from the Under-19 level, no one really gives you technical advice. It is all about making mental adjustments.
Just in a matter of eight months to win the U-19 World Cup as captain and then make the Test team is quite unreal.
Personally, whichever ball is lose, I will smash that ball.
They come with a lot of strategies in international cricket. You face bowlers with a lot more pace.
Becoming captain of the World Cup team and winning it is something I can't express in words.
When I made my IPL debut, I was nervous because there were people around me, and the cameras focused on me.
My height doesn't matter, as I want to keep playing my natural game.
I am happy to be on board of Baseline Ventures. They manage some of the top talents of the country, and I look forward to a great partnership with Baseline.
I am a person who likes to be in the present.
I made tons of runs and got an opportunity to play for Mumbai. Suddenly, people knew who I was, and the cameras were on me. Getting the recognition matters when you are playing school cricket.
I learnt about being physically fit, captaincy, and the things that really matter when it comes to being a leader and a batsman.
Personally, I don't think IPL is very tough.
Whatever games came my way, I tried to give my best, do whatever I could to win matches for the team, be it at the Ranji Trophy level, India A, IPL: this was always on my mind.
Whenever you play international cricket, there is always a challenge.
Ranji Trophy is a great experience for youngsters.
A hundred for Mumbai feels good, and it doesn't get bigger than MCA for me because they are the people who have helped me get to where I have.
I like to play attacking shots, even if it is in the first over of the game. If I get out playing attacking shots, then so be it.
Frankly, this is what you dream about - to get picked for the Test team. That's why you work hard and give it your best day in and day out.
When you are not scoring runs for the last two-three games, then you need to get that form back; preparation is the best thing to do.
First six overs are important because if you put runs on board, it will take the pressure off the other batsmen.
It has been a difficult journey for me, which started where I used to live: in Virar. All credit to my dad, as he was the only one who took me everywhere. He used to take me to matches and practices, and they were all far away from my home in Virar.
The IPL is a different ball game. Going there and playing in England against England is a different thing.
I can't compare myself to Tendulkar, because he has already played and done with his 25 years of international career and scored 100 hundreds.
I earlier used to stay in Virar, and I was coached by Santosh Pingulkar.
I will make sure I will not go in the wrong path. I will get experience playing in IPL. I will talk with Ricky Ponting sir, Pravin Amre sir, and all the other support staff. I will enjoy over there.
Tendulkar is my idol in cricket, and one thing I try to pick up from him is how he carries himself in a humble manner.
My parents were very supportive.
I am not a person who will think about the past.
I don't think it matters too much if you are batting or bowling first on this pitch. The wicket remains the same throughout the 40 overs. There is only the dew factor that probably comes in the second innings.
It was a dream come true to meet GR Viswanath sir, who is a legend in the game.
For India, it is all about whatever number they want me to bat and not the other way round.
It's a lot of fun to play for your school with friends.
I learnt a lot about how to react to tough, pressure situations.
No one in the Indian team gave me tips, but I should be mature enough to grasp little things by watching them train and play.
To represent your country is the ultimate honour, and to play Test cricket for India will be the ultimate fulfilment of my cricketing ambition.
Amit Mishra has got that experience. He has played 10-12 years of international cricket. Whenever he bowls those four overs, he knows exactly what his plans are. He has bowled to almost every player, and he knows where to bowl to them.
I never thought of making my India debut right after the U-19 win. I took it match by match.
It is all about the kind of experience you garner over the years, which tends to make a difference in the way you play at the top level.
When you play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, you face the same bowler next year. But when you play in IPL, you face bowlers of different calibre.
It was my wish to play in the challenging conditions in Australia. I love the bounce there.
