Kohli inspires batting, Cummins bowling: India U-19 hero Mohit Ulva

India U-19 hero Mohit Ulva has named Virat Kohli and Pat Cummins as his cricketing idols after starring in the team's one-wicket victory over Pakistan in the U-19 Asia Cup final with an unbeaten 49 off 26 balls

New Delhi: India U-19 cricketer Mohit Ulva idolises batting icon Virat Kohli and Australian bowling great Pat Cummins. The youngster spoke about his inspirations after guiding India U-19 to a historic one-wicket win over Pakistan in the U-19 Asia Cup final.

Mohit scored an unbeaten 49 to help India pull off an incredible one-wicket victory while chasing a target of 338 against Pakistan U-19. Speaking after the win, the youngster revealed his idols as he looks to prepare for the next phase of his career.

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“In batting, I like Virat Kohli a lot. In bowling, I like Pat Cummins a lot,” Mohit told Star Sports.

The medium pacer has been selected in Saurashtra’s squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) and is preparing for his next challenge.

“Actually, I am joining my senior team from tomorrow. I have been selected in SMAT, by God’s grace. So, I want to make my debut there as soon as possible.

“I want to prove my place there and that I deserve to play here. Because the more years I get to play there, the easier it will be for me to play top-flight cricket from there. So, the sooner you get there, the more time you get. So, that’s the goal,” he added.

From 252/8, India U-19 went on to chase down the target of 338, with Manal Chauhan also contributing an important 47. Mohit scored an unbeaten 49 off 26 balls, hitting the winning boundary off the final delivery.

Reflecting on the match, Mohit said he enjoyed playing under pressure.

“I like pressure. I enjoy good games where the atmosphere is good, where there is a lot of crowd, where there is a lot of hype-up, where people are coming at me. I like those games. I don’t like those lazy games, where you just have to go here and take out the game easily. I don’t like that,” he added.

He said he was proud of having won the match for India.

“I have done this for the country. And this is the first time I have felt that I have done something for the country. I have been hearing this since I was a kid. That army men do a lot for the country. Doctors do a lot for the country. Then suddenly I heard that cricketers do a lot for the country.

“That day I felt that yes, I can do something in this field. I have to do something in this field. And after that, for the first time, I did something for the country. I felt that this boy made the whole country proud. You know, this was not only my win, but the whole country won. That was the feeling. So, I am very proud,” he added.