Exclusive - I want to be an all-format player like Virat Kohli, says Yash Dhull after scoring century on Ranji Trophy debut

Yash Dhull, the captain of the 2022 World Cup-winning Indian Under-19 team, walked out to the middle at Guwahati's Barsapara Cricket Stadium for his maiden outing in first-class cricket for Delhi, he had left the 'World Cup-winning captain' tag behind. He wasn't complacent. He wasn't nervous. All he wanted to do was live in the moment. Dhull, ahead of the toss, was asked to open the batting against the Vijay Shankar-led Tamil Nadu. The 19-year-old, who came to bat at No. 4 in the u-19 World Cup matches, had to deal with another challenge. But he accepted it. He opened the batting with Dhruv Shorey and soon saw the latter falling for 1. Himmat Singh, the No. 3 batter, too departed without troubling the scorers, leaving Delhi reeling at 7-2. Dhull, a first-class debutant, stayed focused and continued to accelerate Delhi's run rate and slammed a magnificent ton in his first meeting with the red cherry in competitive senior level cricket. The youngster scored 113 runs off 150 balls, including 18 fours.

Yash Dhull (PTI Photo)It was nothing short of a dream start for Dhull. " Sirf ball ka colour hi to change hua hai, game to wahi khelna hai (Only the colour of the ball has changed, the game is the same). It's normal for me. I just wanted to go and express myself. I didn't feel any pressure. I went there with a free mind. The best thing was that I trusted my own style of play," Dhull told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview. "I want to be an all-format player like Virat bhaiya (Virat Kohli). He is a legend of the game. He has dominated all the three formats. I also want to be the best in all three formats. He is my inspiration," Dhull further said. Dhull's knock was applauded by the seniors and coaches from the dressing