U-19 star Kamlesh Nagarkoti wants to pick Kapil Dev's brains on mental strength

Reliance 1 pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti in full cry against Canara Bank during the DY Patil T20 Cup tie yesterday. Pic/Suresh Karkera

India's under-19 World Cup-winning all-rounder Kamlesh Nagarkoti, who attracted attention with his speed and accuracy in New Zealand, is eager to meet legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev. Above all things, the young cricketer wants India's 1983 World Cup-winning captain to advice him on becoming mentally tough.

"I've never met him, but when I get my chance I will ask him how he prepared before every match. His fitness was outstanding and he did not miss a Test through injury, so I will also like to ask him about his training regime and diet. But most of all, I want to speak to him about how one should get mentally tougher.

Kapil Dev

"I want to be a mentally strong cricketer since a format like Twenty20 needs a particular mindset especially when it comes to bowling to hard-hitting batsmen, restrict runs and get wickets as well," Nagarkoti, who represents Reliance 1, told mid-day, ahead of his match against Canara Bank in the DY Patil T20 Cup in Nerul yesterday.

Also Read: I want to emulate Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Kamlesh Nagarkoti

Nagarkoti wants to add another weapon to his armoury - the slower ball. "I am working on strengthening my natural abilities and learning the tricks of bowling good slower balls. As batting is also important, I am practising on hitting big shots," he said. Nagarkoti felt playing in the DY Patil T20 Cup is good preparation for the upcoming Indian Premier League in which he will represent Kolkata Knight Riders.

Though eyeing an India 'A' berth after consistent performances in domestic cricket, Nagarkoti is not putting himself under pressure. "I am not thinking about other bowlers who are playing in India 'A' or other teams. I think my biggest competition is with me. If I overcome my faults, push hard and perform well, no one can stop me. I hope my consistent performances will help me get into the India 'A' side," he concluded.

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