Skipper is ready for the challenge

Even before becoming skipper, Ravikant Shukla had promised of the Indian team’s  fascinating show against Australia in the one-day series a few months ago. The young lad fulfilled his promise as India won the series 4-1,  before laying their hands on the Afro-Asian Cup.

Shukla’s confidence is not without reason. “We have a balanced side and the team’s confidence is high,” he said from Sri Lanka on Saturday. “We are not going to take any team lightly and we will take each match seriously.” He knows there is a big responsibility on his shoulders. “I have to live up to everybody’s expectations.”

“I am not going to leave any stone unturned  as a skipper in Lanka,” added Shukla, whose strokeplay is a treat to watch.

"The  pitches in Sri Lanka will be similar to what they are in India. Lanka and South Africa are two good sides we will be facing,” he said.

Shukla, a southpaw in the middle-order, admires coach Venkatesh Prasad. “It will be great opportunity for all the players to stake claim for a berth in the Indian team.”

Asked to sum up what being captain meant, Shukla said: “I am proud to be from UP, and I’ll try my best to follow the footsteps of Kaif by winning the World Cup," he said.