Avi Barot named U-19 cricketer of the year

He was heartbroken when overlooked for national duty at the U-19 World Cup in 2010 held in New Zealand. Not allowing his emotions to get over him, he was more determined and focussed. This determination acted as catalyst in his four tons and three half-centuries in the 2010-11 Cooch Behar Trophy.

Next month, Gujarat’s wicketkeeper-batsman Avi Barot will share stage with legends like Rahul Dravid, Ajit Wadekar among others at the BCCI’s Annual Awards — 2011 function in Chennai. Avi has been named the U-19 cricketer of the 2010-11 season after accumulating 971 runs in seven matches, which helped Gujarat lift its maiden Cooch Behar title earlier this year. Avi will receive MA Chidambaram Trophy and Rs50,000 for his feat.

“Yes, I am thrilled. Three days ago, I got a call from BCCI asking for my documents. It has lot to do with me missing out the U-19 World Cup squad,” said Avi, who was the backbone of Gujarat in its maiden, victorious U-19 campaign. He scored four centuries and three half-centuries in the tourney. Avi’s four centuries include 200 in one of the league matches against Uttar Pradesh. Against Maharashtra and Delhi, he scored 160 and 178 respectively before notching 123 against Himachal Pradesh in the semis.  

When asked which among the four centuries he considers special, his reply was prompt, “The double century against Uttar Pradesh.”

Keeping wickets with pads on for the entire opposition innings and then opening the innings is never easy. Very few have been able to deliver on both the fronts. Moreover, he is also the captain of the side, leading from the front.

"Since my U-15 days, I have been performing dual role (wicket-keeping and opening). At times, I do get tired, but I have to do it. Moreover, keeping the wickets has helped me a lot. Standing behind the wickets helps me to keep an eye on field settings. I can also judge the nature of the wicket which helps me during my batting," said the youngster, realising importance of his job.

Barot credits former India stumper Saba Karim for fine-tuning his wicket-keeping skills early in his career. "Here, Parthivbhai and Mukund sir help me overcome flaws in my keeping and improve my batting. However, Saba Karim was a great help when I was at NCA. His guidance and valuable instructions have helped me tremendously," he added.

The 20-year-old idolises icon Sachin Tendulkar. When they met at BKC ground in Mumbai a few months ago, Barot didn't miss the opportunity to get a few tips from his hero.

"He guided us in our approach. He told us how to prepare for a shot on a particular wicket. Like, if it is a fast wicket, one has to play more shots on the back foot. When I put that into practice, it helped me in piling up big scores," said Barot, who made his Ranji Trophy debut against Delhi on his favourite ground in Valsad recently.