Harsh Tyagi: Spinning his wheel of fortune in cricket

It was November 2016 when 18-year-old Harsh Tyagi picked up a five-wicket haul in 2.3 overs without letting the other team score a single run at the Delhi Daredevils School Cup T20 match. His performance earned him admiring looks, especially from those who matter — selectors. His performance in Delhi’s under-19 Test match where he picked up 45 wickets in seven matches got him a spot in India’s under-19 cricket team. And now, he will play his first match against England on February 15, 2017.

In an exclusive interview with DNA, Tyagi shares his journey so far, future plans, and the juggle between studying for his upcoming board exams and playing at cricket tournaments.

When did you start playing cricket at a professional level? 

I took up cricket professionally in 2011. Before that, I used to play cricket for fun with a Cosco (tennis) ball. My parents have been very supportive and it is my mother who encouraged me to pursue cricket. She is a teacher at Billabong school, and one day, she told me about cricket practice sessions in her school premises, and asked me to join. Soon after, I joined the Delhi Wonders Cricket Club and started learning under coach Phool Chand Sharma in  2011. 

In 2013, I played my first match with BCCI for U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy as a left hand spinner. I played two matches and got three wickets. It was an average performance. After this, I started playing club matches and then went on to represent Delhi in various matches but it was 2016 which turned lucky for me.  

How did 2016 get lucky for you?

Late last year, I played in Delhi’s under-23 team for Col CK Nayudu Trophy 2016-17, and picked up 17 wickets in four matches. Following this, I was called for Delhi’s under-19 test match for Cooch Behar Trophy 2016-17, where I picked up 45 wickets in seven matches.. 

It was in November 2016 that I scored a five-wicket haul in 2.3 overs without conceding a single run in Delhi Daredevils School Cup T20 match. From September 2016 to till now, I have picked up 64 wickets in 13 matches. Of these, eight are a five-wicket haul and three are a 10-wicket haul.

Tell us about your coaches. 

I have been learning under Phool Chand Sharma since 2011 and playing in his club — Delhi Wonder Cricket Club. He motivates me a lot and taught me to not waste time. I am also receiving training by Rajan Sachdeva, my coach at Billabong International High School’s cricket team. He has helped in improving my bowling.

When did bowling interest you? What other areas are you focusing on?

Bowling has always been my passion. Even in my childhood days, I used to bowl while my brother preferred batting. I am focussing on my fielding skills and fitness. I practice and enjoy batting as well but not as sincerely as I practice bowling.

You are a Class XII student with board exams in March. How are you managing exams and cricket?

It is difficult to manage both but now I have gotten used to this practice. Once I had a practical exam in school and a match on that very day in Guwahati. First, I gave the exam and then went directly to the airport. Even though I have missed pre-board exams, I will be appearing for the final exams, and I am certain of clearing them as well.

What’s your daily routine?

When there is no match, I wake up at 5 am, reach school by 6 am and practice with the school team till 9 am. From 9 to 3, I attend classes. Between 3.30 pm -7.30 pm, I practice for Wonder Cricket Club. I reach home at 8 pm, and eat my dinner after resting for a while. I study for an hour and sleep at 10 pm.

What are your future plans?

I am pursuing Commerce. It is my father who does the planning. I will continue playing cricket for as long as I can, and will keep playing in state trials and win matches for Delhi. Hopefully, selectors will notice me increasing my chances at playing in the IPL and other matches. I haven’t played for Ranji yet, but I am hoping i will be selected for the camp.

Given a choice between IPL and Test match, what would you pick?

I will choose Test matches because as a sportsman, it is of high value, but everyone loves IPL and wants to see you playing there, so one can’t ignore IPL either.

Who is your role model?

I follow Ravindra Jadeja. When I started playing, people would call me by his name since they thought my accent and style of playing are similar to his.