Rohit and Moaaz eager to make a mark in the big league

Denzil Pinto 12:41 16/03/2014
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Long-term plans: Rohit Singh is eager to rise to the challenge and cement his spot in the national squad.

    It was just one month ago that Rohit Singh and Moaaz Qazi were playing their shots at the Under-19 World Cup. After impressing at Under-19 level, coach Aaqib Javed rewarded them with call-ups to the World Twenty20 and both want to grab the opportunity with both hands.

    It’s a start of a new chapter for both players, who will now no longer be eligible to play for the Under-19s due to age restrictions, and while they know it will be difficult to break into the team, both agree it will be a learning curve.

    “Just learning from the players is big for me,” said former Under-19 captain Singh. “I watched batsmen like Khurram Khan and Shaiman Anwar bat (in our practice sessions in UAE). I watched their concentration levels, the way they batted, the way they kept their heads together.

    “All those small details I observed will help me learn,” said Singh, who claimed he 'wasn't that surprised' when Javed told him of his call up prior to the Under-19 World Cup.

    “If I get a chance (to play) I know I have to give my best and perform well. You can learn and perform at the same time.” The 20-year-old is hoping to be named in future senior squads.

    “That will be the plan of every youngster to stay there. I want to be part of this in the long term.”

    For all-rounder Qazi, the news came as a shock to him but is adamant to rise to the challenge.

    “I want to go there and do well and learn from this,” said Qazi. “I want to rise to the challenge. The World Cup is in New Zealand next year and I have to give it my best shot and be in contention for that tournament as well.”

    Explaining why they were chosen, Javed, who is also the Under-19 coach, said: “They have the capability to bat and bowl and will add some fresh energy to the team.”

    Captain Khurram Khan said: “We are very impressed with them. They are talented, and they are young. These youngsters will be very useful to the team.”

    Recommended