Gambhir helped me evolve as an opener, says Shubham

For young Shubham Khajuria, who became only the second cricketer form the valley to earn a place in the India Under-19 squad, Gautam Gambhir played a key role in shaping up his career.

For young Shubham Khajuria, who became only the second cricketer form the valley to earn a place in the India Under-19 squad, Gautam Gambhir played a key role in shaping up his career.

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He credits the out-of-favour India left-hander for helping him evolve as an opener.

"There were some questions which I used to ask myself as an opener and Gautam Gambhir really helped me to find out answers to those," Shubham, who was selected in the India U-19 team to tour Sri Lanka later this month, told PTI.

"He (Gambhir) told me how to prepare for a big match and what mindset a player should carry to the field while opening the innings," said the 17-year-old lad from Jammu.

Shubham plays for ONGC in the off-season tournaments and it was there he got to meet the likes of Virender Sehwag, Gambhir and Virat Kohli.

"It always helps being in the company of players like Virender Sehwag and Gambhir. There is always a lot to learn from their experiences," said a confident Shubham, who was not surprised at his selection in the India U-19 team.

"It was not a surprise. If you look at my recent record in U-19, I was the highest run getter in the Cooch Behar Trophy with 707 runs, including three century knocks. So I knew I will get my opportunity," he added.

Shubham, a right-handed opening batsman, however does not forget to thank his coaches.

Asked about the influence former coach Bishan Singh Bedi has left on the Jammu and Kashmir team, Shubham said: "Bedi sir instilled an attitude of playing fearless cricket in us.

He has been a great influence. "Bedi sir taught us the mental aspect of the game. He stressed upon mental and physical fitness and that has helped us a lot. If you see every player has got some talent but it is these two aspects which differentiates best from the rest," said Shubham.