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Coach Kamalpreet Sandhu outlines IPL preparation plan for RCB's new recruit Vihaan Malhotra

Coach Kamalpreet Sandhu discussed the development path of India U-19 cricketer Vihaan Malhotra, who was recently picked up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the IPL. Sandhu highlighted Malhotra's progression through district and state cricket, his Asia Cup experience, and stated the focus will now be on refining his shot-making for the T20 format.

Key Points: 'Will work on his shots for 20-over format': Coach on Vihaan Malhotra's RCB preparation | ANI News

  • Coach reflects on Vihaan Malhotra's 5-6 year journey from district to state level
  • Young batter gains crucial experience from recent U-19 Asia Cup tournament
  • RCB acquisition marks a major career milestone for the U-19 cricketer
  • Focus shifts to adapting batting technique for short T20 format challenges
3 min read

"We will work on his shots since it's a 20-over format": Coach Kamalpreet Sandhu on Vihaan Malhotra's IPL preparation

Vihaan Malhotra's coach Kamalpreet Sandhu details the young batter's journey from district cricket to RCB and the focus areas for his IPL adaptation.

"We will work on his shots since it's a 20-over format, which is quite short. - Kamalpreet Sandhu / Coach"

Patiala (Punjab), December 21

Kamalpreet Sandhu, coach of India Under-19 cricketer Vihaan Malhotra, reflected on the youngster's journey and growth after he was recently picked up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Speaking about Vihaan's rise through the ranks, Sandhu told ANI, "It's been 5-6 years since he (Vihaan Malhotra) started training here... like other players, he started his journey at the district and state levels, and then went on to play under-19."

He highlighted Malhotra's steady progress, adding that the batter has already gained valuable exposure at the international youth level.

"He recently played in the Asia Cup," Sandhu noted, underlining the importance of such tournaments in shaping a young cricketer.

The coach also spoke about the significance of Malhotra's IPL move, calling it a major milestone in his career.

"RCB acquired him for the IPL," Sandhu said, expressing confidence that the franchise environment will further help the teenager develop as a professional cricketer.

Looking ahead, Sandhu pointed out the areas of focus for Malhotra's game, especially in the shortest format.

"We will work on his shots since it's a 20-over format, which is quite short," he said, emphasising the need for adaptability and innovation in T20 cricket as the young batter prepares for the challenges at the highest level.

Earlier, Pakistan batter Sameer Minhas made history, outdoing Shahzaib Khan for the highest individual score by a Pakistani batter in Youth ODIs on Sunday.

Minhas achieved this milestone during his side's ACC Asia Cup final against India at Dubai. In his innings, Minhas scored 172 in just 113 balls, with 17 fours and nine sixes, at a strike rate of 152.21.

This is the eighth-highest score ever in Youth ODI history, with South Africa's J van Schalkwyk (215 in 153 balls, with 19 fours and six sixes earlier this year) at the top.

Coming to the match, India won the toss and opted to field first.

Pakistan did lose wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor (18 in 14) early at a score of 131, but Sameer had a 92-run stand with Usman Khan (35 in 45 balls, with three fours and a six) and a 137-run stand with Ahmed Hussain (56 in 72 balls, with three fours and a six), but after this partnership, Pakistan U19 kept losing wickets at regular intervals. After Minhas was dismissed at the score of 302 in 42.5 overs as the fourth wicket, Pakistan was restricted to 347/8 in 50 overs, with Niqab Shafiq (12*) and Mohammad Sayyam (13*) unbeaten.

Deepesh Devendran (3/83), Khilan Patel (2/44) and Henil Patel (2/62) were among the top wicket-takers. India needs to score 348 runs to secure the title.

In the previous clash between these two sides, Aaron George (85 in 88 balls, with 12 fours and a six) and Kanishk Chauhan (46 in 46 balls, with two fours and three sixes) took India U19 to 240 in 46.1 overs, with three-fers from Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan. In reply, Pakistan was bundled out for just 150 in 41.2 overs. Huzaifa Ahsan (70 in 83 balls, with nine fours and two sixes) fought for Pakistan, but Deepesh Devendran (3/16) and Kanishk (3/33) proved to be a class apart.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The article shifts focus from Vihaan to the Asia Cup final a bit abruptly. While Sameer Minhas' innings was incredible, the main story is about an Indian youngster's preparation. Still, exciting times for youth cricket!
A
Arjun K
Playing for RCB is a huge pressure cooker. Hope the boy has a strong temperament. The real test will be performing in front of the Chinnaswamy crowd. But first, that Asia Cup final loss to Pakistan still hurts yaar. Our boys need to learn from that.
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Priya S
Coach Sandhu sounds very grounded. "We will work on his shots" - it's not just about big hits, but smart cricket. The IPL is a fantastic finishing school. Wishing Vihaan all the luck! Make the most of sharing the dressing room with Kohli and others.
M
Michael C
Interesting read. The pipeline from U-19 to IPL to the national team seems very well established in India. That 172 by the Pakistani batter was a phenomenal knock, though. Shows the high level of competition in the youth circuit.
K
Kavya N
Patiala produces such fine cricketers! The journey from district to state to U-19 to IPL is the classic Indian cricket dream. Hope he gets a fair chance to play for RCB and isn't just a bench warmer. The focus should be on long-term development, not just one season.

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