Punja relishing UAE captaincy

Denzil Pinto 23:31 27/08/2016
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  • Setting an example: Yodhin Punja will captain the UAE Under-19 for the first time.

    Yodhin Punja is relishing the responsibility of captaining the UAE Under-19 team, saying the role will bring out the best of him as a cricketer.

    The pacer was overlooked for the job in last year’s ACC Premier League in Malaysia but has been given the armband by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for next month’s Division Two 2018 World Cup qualifiers in Malaysia.

    It’s a position the 17-year-old is all too familiar with having led the ECB Blues and Abu Dhabi Under-19s previously, and while he’s looking forward to stepping up in the international scene for the first time, he is adamant to lead from the front.

    “It’s a part of the game that I very much enjoy,” he said. “It keeps you thinking about the game, about what tactics to use, how the bowlers should bowl. It’s something I’m looking forward to it and I think it brings the best of me as a player so it’s definitely something I’m relishing.

    “I think it’s very important that I set a good example and I will try my best to be at the top of my game.”

    The ex-Zayed Academy cricketer has yet to meet his new team-mates, having left for England in June for a cricket scholarship.

    But he will return to the UAE on September 11 in time for three 50-over friendly matches against Hong Kong ahead of their departure for the tournament in Malaysia.

    A stern test awaits for them in Kuala Lumpur, needing to top the 10-team tournament to advance to Division One in Sri Lanka for a place in the showpiece event in New Zealand.

    Despite only attending a handful of sessions prior to his departure to England, Punja insists his absence from the camp will not be a major disadvantage.

    “I’ve been training here in England all the time, doing a lot of gym work and strength training, so fitness isn’t a problem,” he said.

    “Yes, I know I haven’t seen many of the boys but they will be at the top of their game and in the best form ever after training for three months continuously.”

    Punja and wicketkeeper Sachin Jha are just two of the survivors from last year’s Premier League tournament in Malaysia with a number of new faces in the party.

    And Punja, who made his ODI debut for the seniors against Hong Kong last year, is excited by the talent in the squad.

    “I’ve crossed paths with them during my time and some of them are my close friends,” he said.

    “A lot of these players are around 15 and 16 and there are some extremely talented players like Jonathan Figy and I can’t wait to see how they play and gel as a team.”

    Fully aware of the challenge ahead, Punja believes it’s crucial the team spirit is high to have any chance of delivering positive results.

    “Although I’m their captain, I will be their friend. I think the way we are more friendlier with each other, the more we are more open off the field and that will reflect on the field,” said Punja, who trained with the senior team on their tour to Scotland last month.

    “It’s better to understand them as players. When I see them at their best, I can realise their potential.”

    He added: “I’m very confident in the team we have. We have a number of skilled players, experience and a well-balanced squad. It’s about stepping up and taking reponsibility when we go out there.”

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