Mumbai, Feb 1: Having injured his hand while fielding in the Cooch Behar Under-19 final against Maharashtra, top-order batsman Pratik Prabhu scored a valiant 171-ball 44 runs at No. 9 to ensure his side won the title. Nicknamed ‘The Wall’ by his team, Pratik spoke about Mumbai’s motivation to win the match and Sachin Tendulkar’s advice to him in an interview with bcci.tv.

Excerpts:

On the helpful advice received from senior players

I have spoken to Sachin Tendulkar. I had spoken to him during my Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 days. He told me that one should treat each game as a normal game. At that time on this same venue we had played the quarters, the semis and the final for the U-15 trophy. Until the quarterfinal stage he would come to BKC to watch us and the advice that he gave was useful to me today. After three years I finally understood what he meant. No matter what game you are playing, whether it is the quarterfinal or the final, treat it like a normal game. There is no point in taking on unnecessary mental pressure. Today I did that; I told myself to treat the final like a regular match. The team needed me and I had to play. At that time we had lost the [Under-15] final to Maharashtra so today we had to win it no matter what. The same players were there at that time too.

On missing out on his half-century after playing a long innings

That shot [to which I got out] happened after the new ball was taken. It was the last wicket [-stand] so I thought I would take a single to defend the last man. I knew the bowler was going to bowl a bouncer but I don’t know what happened [to me]. The ball grazed my fingers and went to the keeper, the same fingers which are hurt.

On whether he was still in pain

It was hurting a bit but I didn’t want them to know so I just played. Because of Harmeet [Singh] I felt relaxed out there. He scored quickly and took the pressure of me and Atif [Attarwala] also played well so I wasn’t under any pressure. [Due to their contributions] I could fulfill my role completely and occupy the crease for a long time.

On how the season’s been for him

This is my third season in the Under-19 category and it is my last year. It was good; I can’t say it’s been very good or very bad, it was all right. My main role was to play as many overs as possible. I was told by [the coach] that I had to hold up one end […]. Today was also like that. […] There was a bit of pressure because it was a final. I was determined to play my role; I wasn’t able to do it the earlier few matches. I would make about 40 and get out.

On his teammates calling him The Wall

Yes, I was always told that my role was to occupy the crease and not score the runs. Initially I used to feel angry [considering] I wanted to score too. But slowly I realised that occupying the crease was also a job in itself and since then I have been doing it.

On playing the attacking game was his natural style

Earlier I was a very attacking player but later when I realised that Mumbai doesn’t have many players that can occupy the crease and anchor the innings, I changed my game. Now I have stopped being attacking. I adapt to the situation and the role given to me and play accordingly.

On his favourite shot

The cover drive.

On the road ahead

I wish I could have scored more runs. I have fielded well. Though I have a lot more to learn, if the U-22 side or anyone feels they need someone who can anchor the innings, I am ready do that. This season and this match have helped me and I also realised that it takes a lot of guts [to stick it out for your team].

On his background

I from Thane and I have been playing cricket for almost ten years now. I started playing when I was about eight years old. I never thought that I would play for Mumbai. Earlier it was all about school cricket and there weren’t goals as such; I didn’t know much. […] When I was playing in school, Gotavde Sir and Satish Kulkarni Sir said I had talent and I should pursue it. They told me about how things worked in Mumbai and told me to come here. Then when I came here for selection, I luckily got a chance to play in the Under-15 team. Though I didn’t play many matches then, I scored a fifty in one match and since then I have been getting opportunities to play continuously for Mumbai. I also play for Fort Vijay. For the last few years I have been working with [Mumbai coach] Satish Samant and been attending his drills which have helped me a lot. I needed to work on my patience, most of all. I had lost it in between but now I have got it back.

On his idols

My idol is Adam Gilchrist so people tease me saying, ‘He plays so fast and you play so slow; there is no contest.’ I tell them that’s not how it works; I watch his shots and try to learn from them. I also like Rohit Sharma and Abhishek Nayar from Mumbai.