No short cut to success: Vijay Zol

[nsareen]

AURANGABAD: Vijay Zol, who led India's U-19 team to tri-series success in Australia last week, says his goal is to always remains focused and avoid distractions. In a reply to police commissioner Sanjay Kumar's query during a felicitation function organised on Sunday, Zol said: "To achieve success you have to work hard. From where I am standing today and where I belong, I have learned that there is no shortcut to success. You have to give in completely to (achieve) success in whatever you are passionate about." Zol arrived in the city on Saturday after India won the U-19 tri-series Down Under before leaving for his native place Jalna, 60 km away from the city. Zol gave credit to his continuous hard work and his parents' support for his success. "My parents and coach have always supported me. I believe in working hard. With hard work things eventually fall in place" said Zol. Sharing his IPL experience with Royal Challengers Bangalore during the IPL this year, Zol said, "Getting selected itself was something beyond what I had dreamt. It was a great learning opportunity and being a part of the team helped me a lot, even if I could not play even a single game. The practice sessions helped me to interact with senior players. "Everyone has talent and skill, but passion is what drives (you). Nervousness is obvious before going on to the field. But after getting into the game and experiencing the atmosphere and conditions, it all clears up." 'Can learn a lot from Dhoni' Commenting on the senior team's success in England and the West Indies Zol said, "The way MSD played in the final is a lesson for every captain. He always performs when the team needs it. He is a great reader of the game and I am a fan of his temperament. If I can become even half of what he is, it will be more than enough." Giving credit to the entire team for the triangular series triumph, Zol said it all boiled down to soaking up the pressure. "We had worked really hard at the NCA for one month prior to the tournament and left no stone unturned. Players had gelled well and that reflected in their performance. This win came with the whole team and support staff's efforts," said the youngster, who was the top-scorer with 293 runs in five matches including a century. "I was captaining for the first time and it was the first ever tournament for most of the boys but they responded well. Beating Australia in their den was special and our mental toughness was the key to our success," he added. - He is happy with his performance with the bat but insisted that it is just the beginning of a long journey. "I am happy that I could lead from the front. But this is just a beginning. Obviously like any other cricketer it is my dream to play for the senior team but I am not thinking about it right now. "My focus is on forthcoming Sri Lanka tour and I want to continue the winning streak," he said. He is in awe of Virender Sehwag's aggression and Yuvraj Singh's fighting spirit but it is Sachin Tendulkar's passion and longevity that completely bowled over Zol. "No one in my family is into any sport but my father understands the game very well. I am playing since the age of seven. When I was a kid, I have seen the craze for Sachin throughout the nation and that inspired me to be a cricketer," he said. "I like Sehwag's aggressive style of play and the fighting spirit of Yuvi. The way he made a comeback after the battle with cancer is commendable. Michael Hussey is also one of my favourite cricketer," said Zol.

[Sandeep99]

The u19 Captains sure get a lot of focus. I'd advise the guy to score few runs in first class before making tall claims and speak big words

[G_B_]

The u19 Captains sure get a lot of focus. I'd advise the guy to score few runs in first class before making tall claims and speak big words

and what big words would they be? Come across as very level headed in this interview atleast. RCB need to IMO give him more chances in their batting order. Certainly work a gamble compared to the names who have not performed for them.

[cowboysfan]

The u19 Captains sure get a lot of focus. I'd advise the guy to score few runs in first class before making tall claims and speak big words

Dude,did you wake up on the wrong Side of the bed today?