When 18-year-old left-arm spinner Yashveer Goud did not make the Indian side that lifted the U-19 World Cup in February this year, it felt like his hopes had been crushed. However, four months after that setback, another chance came his way, and this time, he's ready to make the most of it.

The young Hyderabad cricketer has been included in the Indian U-19 ODI squad that will tour Sri Lanka on July 4. Reflecting on his journey, Yashveer revealed how the initial heartbreak actually spurred him on to work harder.

"Yes, I was very disappointed when I was not picked for the U-19 World Cup team earlier this year. It took some time to get out of it. But I realised that I needed to work harder and I did that. Now I got selected for this tour and it is like a dream. I don't have words to describe the feeling. My parents – mother Vani and father Rajkumar – are my biggest support and they are very happy," said the youngster.

Cricket Journey from Gully to Glory

Currently a second-year B.Com student at Bhavan's Vivekananda Degree College, Sainikpuri, Yashveer is aiming to represent India at the senior level one day. His cricket journey began on the streets of Amberpet, where he played gully cricket before starting his formal training at the age of eight at Daniel's Cricket Academy.

After spending six years training there under coach Kamlesh, he later moved to Bhavan's College and began working with Krishna Mohan. His hard work paid off when he earned a place in the State U-16 team via open trials, and his progress gathered pace quickly.

Yashveer also made an important contribution to Hyderabad's first title win in the BCCI Junior men's U-19 Vinoo Mankad trophy, establishing himself as a promising talent in the Hyderabad cricket circuit.

Taking the Opportunity

Due to the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, Yashveer will be forced to miss the first edition of TG20. However, he has been named in the Hyderabad E-Champions squad, showing his consistent performance in domestic cricket.

The useful left-hand batter, who looks up to Rishabh Pant and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, is keen to take full advantage of this opportunity. "It is like a dream come true for me. I am really excited about the Sri Lanka tour and want to give my best," he added.

Also selected for the tour is another city cricketer V Pratiksha, who has been included in the Indian women's U-19 ODI squad, marking a successful phase for Hyderabad cricket talent.