New Delhi, July 1: Sunyash Shedge shared that India’s 2011 World Cup victory ignited his dream of playing for the country. He recalled being moved to tears watching the team lift the trophy. At that moment, he resolved to one day represent India on the biggest stage.
Shedge was called up to the Indian team for the T20 series against Ireland and England after all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was injured. He made his debut for India in the second T20 match against Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club ground in Stormont on Sunday.
Reflecting on his journey after being selected for the Indian team, Shedge recounted the moment that sparked his dream. He stated that the 2011 World Cup win had a profound impact on him, solidifying his determination to represent India.
“I cried for the first time watching cricket when India won the 2011 World Cup. Seeing the Indian team lift the trophy that night changed something in me. I decided then that I wanted to represent India on the biggest stage. Since that day, I have worked hard to fulfill this dream,” Shedge said.
In an interview with GeoStar, he mentioned the challenges ahead but expressed his readiness to put in the effort. “Wearing the Indian team jersey for the first time was indescribable. Waking up early, working hard, and making sacrifices made that moment feel like a success. I have dreamed of this day since childhood. Wearing the Indian jersey is not just a dream come true; it’s a new beginning for me,” he added.
Shedge also recalled one of the first congratulatory calls he received after his selection, highlighting an emotional conversation with left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh.
“When I was selected for the Indian team, Arshdeep Singh called me via video. He congratulated me and shared his selection experience. We talked for a while. That moment was very emotional for me. I couldn’t believe my dream had come true. It still feels like a dream,” Shedge said.
He emphasized the influence of captain Shreyas Iyer, noting that their discussions extend beyond match days and often revolve around understanding various aspects of the game.
“I often talk to Shreyas Iyer. We spend a lot of time together off the field. Our conversations mainly focus on cricket, batting, bowling, match situations, and handling pressure. During the IPL, we would sit together and discuss what we would do in certain situations. I learn a lot from his experience,” he explained.
During the conversation, Shedge praised teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, stating that the young player’s confidence and ability to remain mentally free set him apart.
Shedge remarked, “Shreyas Iyer’s greatest strength is his mindset. He loves to bat and never complicates things. He has complete faith in his abilities. Even if he gets out for a duck in a match, it doesn’t affect him in the next game. He believes he will perform well in the next match. Such confidence is rare among players. He neither dwells on the last ball nor worries about the previous match. He plays each game with complete freedom and fearlessness. That’s what makes him such a dangerous batsman.”
Leave a Comment