The 18-year-old Innesh spoke to TimesofIndia.com after his call-up to the national U-19 side and said he is confident of doing well for the team.
“It’s a big and proud moment for me to represent the country. I want to go and express myself. I am very happy. I have worked hard for this and when I got the result for my hard work, it felt nice,” Innesh said during the interaction.
(Photo: TOI Arrangement)
“My parents have supported me throughout my journey. I want to thank my school – Billabong High International School Noida – for all the opportunities they gave me and my coach Phoolchand sir; his role has been immense,” he added.
“My school helped me in various ways. My morning sessions are scheduled properly. Regarding studies, I have never been pressurised. My teachers have been supportive.”
Since its commencement in 1989, the U-19 Asia Cup has seen nine editions, with India clinching victory in eight of those. This includes the 2012 edition, where India and Pakistan shared the winners’ trophy following a tied final match. Afghanistan claimed the title in 2017.
Innesh is one of the wicketkeeper-batsmen in the Indian squad, which will be captained by Uday Saharan. The squad consist of 15 players, apart from the three travelling stand-by players. The selection committee has also named four additional reserve players. The reserve players will not be part of the touring contingent.
“We are serious contenders. I am sure we will dominate and win the tournament. We have a strong squad. I am confident we will bring the Cup home,” he said.
‘INSPIRED BY COOK AND DHONI’
The 18-year-old left-handed wicket-keeper batsman, who hails from Himachal Pradesh, takes inspiration from England great Alastair Cook and India’s World Cup-winning captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
In 2002, Innesh’s family relocated from Nurpur, a city and municipal council in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, to Noida.
Like former England captain, Innesh is a left-handed batsman who opens for his team.
“As a batsman, my inspiration is Alastair Cook. He is my favourite cricketer. As an opening batsman, I like to start cautiously and then build the innings,” Innesh said.
“In wicket-keeping, I admire Mahendra Singh Dhoni. I do watch his ‘keeping videos. His masterclass behind the stumps is amazing. I have learnt a lot from those. I have learnt how to remain calm in crucial situations and bounce back. If you are a ‘keeper, you need to be on your toes throughout the match. You are never out of a game. That is one of the reasons why I took up wicket-keeping,” Innesh further said.
(Innesh with parents and younger brother – Photo: TOI Arrangement)
‘DEDICATE THE TROPHY TO PARENTS’
Innesh also spoke about the sacrifices his mother and father made to help him reach this level.
“I was introduced to various sports by my mother when I was 4. When I turned 11, I took up cricket religiously. I got enrolled in an academy and started playing. My mother is my mental support. She has made a lot of sacrifices for me. If we win the title, I will dedicate that to my parents,” he said.
“The best part is that my father understands cricket well. He has played till the college level. When I was a kid, he would take me to a nearby park. There was a cemented wicket in the park. He used to help me in improving my ‘keeping skills. After a match, he calls me and discusses that match. He motivates me and encourages me after a bad game,” the youngster said.
The chairman of Billabong High International School Noida, Parmjit Gandhi, announced a sponsorship of Rs 1 lakh for Innesh.
“We believe in nurturing talent across diverse sporting disciplines. Whether it’s cricket, lawn tennis, skating, football or any other sport, we want to provide a platform for our students to excel and achieve greatness. The recent success of Innesh Mahajan is just one example of our commitment to fostering a culture where sports and academics go hand in hand,” said Gandhi.
India will commence their U-19 Asia Cup campaign against Afghanistan on Friday.
