My father didn't know about cricket. Then, one of my father's friend advised him to take me to a coaching camp.
— Prithvi Shaw
There was a time when a lot of people, including coaches, were keen that I change my bottom-handed grip.
When you open the batting, you have to read the pitch first up and try to understand the situation. But at No. 3, you know what is happening out there. It makes things a little simple when it comes to reading the game.
The biggest difference at the Ranji Trophy level is that of the pace you face. You don't get as many quick bowlers at the Under-19 level.
It is a really proud feeling to get my first Test cap.
I look to play the same way wherever I play.
When I came to Under-19, I played a lot of cricket and got a lot of experience. Then India A as well, and Ranji Trophy - it just keeps going on.
I usually don't get much free time. Cricket keeps me busy, and I like it that way.
It was a great feeling to score a century on Test debut. I got a lot of confidence.
I am very happy and proud - I played a lot of school cricket and scored heavily there, and then the Ranji Trophy, but when we represent India, it's a different feeling.
I try to make runs, keep the scoreboard moving. That keeps my confidence up.
Cricket came about for me when my dad started throwing plastic balls to me at home. I was four or five.
Pressure doesn't intimidate me. I take it as a challenge.
I began playing at the age of six, but at that point, I had little idea of cricket; forget the talent part. It's around the age of 10-11, when more people around me began talking of my skills, that I felt maybe I could go on to do something.
My dad doesn't know that much about cricket, but he has watched so many years of cricket.
I have learnt from many experienced players in the Mumbai team as well as the India A team how to be consistent. That helps a lot to ensure that I don't get into bad form.
I look to gain experience wherever I play.
During the 2011 World Cup, I was sitting at the Wankhede Stadium when India won.
Govinda is my favourite actor - his comedy and dance is unique.
Dad played a very important role in my life. I always wanted to play cricket ,and my dream was his, too.
Whatever opportunities I got after the Under-19 World Cup, I tried to make most of it and do my best for the team.
It is all about experience. When you are 7-8 years old, you start playing school cricket and score runs; my coaches, from school level to Rahul Dravid Sir now, all those small, small things - the experiences make a difference.
I am an attacking batsman, but I've learned a lot about patience. There are clever bowlers who can pick your weak points, so I have to be a bit patient, play out a spell or two.
If you look at any Mumbai guy, he starts to handle pressure at a very young age. Starts at the school level, then the pressure from parents, from the coaches.
I came back from the World Cup and then started playing for Mumbai again. My game was the same because even in New Zealand, we played the One-day format.
I think the more you practise batting, follow the drills, the better you get.
If you score a hundred in one game and then don't do much in the next three or four matches, then that hundred doesn't mean anything.
I have to accept challenges wherever I play. Be it, India, U-19, state of T20 Leagues, I have to accept the challenges the same way I do when I play for India.
From a small age, we used to play a lot of school cricket: 30-35 games in a year in school cricket, then Under-16 games.
I like Arijit Singh and often listen to his tracks.
I don't want to think much about my injury in Australia. That phase is history.
I don't want to bring in negative vibes in my career.
Becoming World Cup captain, I can't express in words the feeling and thanks to everyone.
I have learned a lot playing in domestic first-class cricket: how to score runs, how to counter situations.
