Tanmay has been playing an important role for the India Under-19 team as well as the UP senior team for quite sometime.

He had to cut short his South Africa tour last month for playing in the UP vs Delhi Ranji final in Mumbai last month and he did prove the UPCA officials right for ‘asking’ for Tanmay’s return for the final by hitting a splendid century at Mumbai.

In the tri-nation tournament at South Africa too, Tanmay proved his worth by blasting an unbeaten 105 in the tournament which largely resulted in a loss for the hosts.

Talking to The Indian Express, the left-handed batsman who has also captained India Under-19 in the past said, “ I am happy with my performances in the domestic as well as in the international circuit during the last couple of years. My present form has increased my confidence level and I really wish to give my best along with my other colleagues and fetch the country the coveted Under-19 World Cup.

The India Under-19 team has been doing really well for the last one-and-a-half years and we look forward to maintain this winning stride. Last time, India lost to Pakistan in the finals but this time we are confident of winning!”

Tanmay said playing with international players like Mohd Kaif, Suresh Raina and Piyush Chawla during UP matches have brought a lot of improvement in his game.

“I have learnt how to deal with tough situations. The seniors keep guiding me from time to time. By getting an opportunity to rub shoulders with them, my approach has become very positive while playing in the international matches against Under-19 teams of various nations.”

So besides this, does the 18 year-old have any ‘mantra’ which he ‘chants’ before playing those extra innings? “I make it a point to do really good net practice before the match. During night, I visualise myself playing some of my favourite shots. I try to imagine of how I should play the next day,” Tanmay confided.

Regarding the wickets at Malaysia, Tanmay said that he has been to Malaysia during the tri-series involving England, India and Malaysia a year ago in which India had triumphed “ I have played there and can say that it is a pleasure to bat at the wickets there.”