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Prithvi Shaw backs 'balanced' India to bring World Cup home - Sports News

India are considered firm favourites at the 2019 World Cup (AP Photo) HIGHLIGHTS Prithvi Shaw said India are favourites to win the 2019 World Cup Shaw said he is keen on giving his best in Mumbai T20 League India will head to England on May 22 ahead of their World Cup warm-up matches Teenage opener Prithvi Shaw has said Virat Kohli has a balanced squad at his disposal and that India are favourites to win the 2019 World Cup, starting May 30 in the United Kingdom.

Prithvi Shaw lauded the senior selection committee for picking a well-rounded squad while expressing confidence that the World Cup trophy will return to India.

India had won the World Cup in 1983 and 2011. MS Dhoni's men reached the semi-final in their title defence in 2015 but lost to Australia. India will be led by Virat Kohli, who will be captaining the senior national team for the first time in a World Cup.

"We have a wonderful team, arguably the best ODI side going around. I personally feel that the World Cup be ours this year. The selectors have named a balanced team. I wish the team all the best. I will pray for the team to bring the World Cup back home," Prithvi Shaw told Sports Tak.

Prithvi Shaw, who has made a strong start to his nascent international career, also recalled his memories of watching the 2011 World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka from the Wankhede Stadium stands.

Shaw said he was awestruck by the atmosphere and the support Team India had received on the big day and the happiness in the fans' faces after MS Dhoni helped India gun down a 275-run target.

"During the 2011 World Cup, I was sitting at the Wankhede Stadium when India won. How can I tell you about my experience! I had never been to such a big match before. I went there for the first time for the final. The crowd and the response Sachin Tendulkar was receiving, the entire team, including MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh. The support helped the team a lot. To see people so happy after our win, it was a memorable experience for me," Prithvi Shaw added.

Pravin Tambe's work ethics a great inspiration: Prithvi

Prithvi Shaw is leading the North Mumbai Panthers in the ongoing edition of Mumbai T20 League. Insisting that he tries to give his best, regardless of the level of competition, the 19-year-old India opener said T20 Mumbai League is a great platform for young cricketers in the city to prove their mettle.

"I look to play the same way wherever I play. It's not that I will play quite freely in Mumbai T20 League unlike how I used to play in the IPL. This is also a great platform for me. North Mumbai Panthers. I want to thank Mumbai Cricket Association for giving us a big opportunity. It's a big opportunity for everyone," Prithvi added.

He added: "I have learnt a lot from the legends. I have to accept challenges wherever I play. Be it, India, U-19, state of T20 Leagues, I have to accept the challenges the same way I do when I play for India.

"I look to gain experience wherever I play. In our team, we have Pravin Tambe sir. He is 47 and he is still looking to give his 100 percent. He is still this fit, so I am looking to give 200 percent when I am 19."

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