Uttar Pradesh never had it so good. The Test squad announced today included four — count them — players from a state that has gone from also-rans to national champions in almost no time. Three players have already played for India at some senior level; today, it was the turn of promising leg-spinner Piyush Chawla to join their ranks.
‘‘It’s a dream come true’’, an obviously excited Chawla (17) told The Indian Express while on his way to Gwalior for the Deodhar Trophy. ‘‘I’m just praying to God that now that I’m in the team, I make it to the final XI.’’ Does he feel any pressure? ‘‘There is some pressure, being my debut in international cricket, but at the same time I will have the advantage of playing in Indian conditions.’’
What definitely counts in his favour is form. ‘‘I’ll be taking the confidence of playing well during Ranji Trophy and the Under-19 World Cup once I take the field. My performance in the under-19 final (he returned figures of 4/8) has given me a lot of confidence.’’
Such confidence, indeed, that Chawla said that somewhere at the back of his mind, he had the ummid his name would be announced today. ‘‘I’d been watching several news channels since yesterday. The way they were making predictions about me kindled some hope in me as well.”
What does he feel about the opposition? ‘‘England are definitely a very good side but I will play to the best of my potential when given a chance.’’
Chawla’s family — the ‘PC family’ as he puts it — is in Moradabad and obviously chuffed at the news. ‘‘I spoke to everyone — my mother Poonam, my father (PK) and my younger brother Prateek — today. They’re really happy.’’ Also happy is his coach KK Gautam, currently posted at the KD Singh ‘Babu’ Stadium. ‘‘I can’t say much but I will say this: Piyush’s hard word has borne fruit. Mujhe yakin hain ki woh selectors ke bharose par kahara utrega.’’
‘‘Such quality leg-spinners are very rare in today’s game’’, he added. ‘‘He is an impressive batsman as well and I am sure that he’ll prove himself at the highest level.’’