IPL: DC's Lalit Yadav wants to emulate Iyer, Pant and Shaw

Lalit Yadav, who has been picked up by Delhi Capitals for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), is looking forward to being a part of the tournament for the first time. "This tournament is a huge platform for upcoming cricketers," he said.

Yadav was roped in by Delhi Capitals at his base price of Rs 20 lakh at the December 19 auction held in Kolkata last year.

Citing Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and Prithvi Shaw as examples of how the team supports young domestic players, the all-rounder said, "Delhi Capitals, in particular, is the best team for young Indian cricketers. I see this as an important stepping stone to eventually playing for India one day, like Shreyas, Rishabh and Prithvi."

"I am looking forward to being challenged at this level and see where I really stand among the best in the world", said Yadav. "DC has a great mix off domestic and international players, and also the best coaching set up a youngster could have asked for. I am keen to learn as much as possible from this experience."

It was a double century in a 40-over U-14 game that was a turning point in Yadav's life, he said. Yadav hails from Najafgarh, Delhi, just like Virender Sehwag. And like the former India opener, the youngster is a big hitter too, having smashed six sixes in an over twice.

Yadav was in the middle of a Ranji Trophy match when he got the news of being picked by Delhi Capitals. "We were playing in Andhra Pradesh when I found out that I was picked by DC. My phone didn't stop ringing, but I spoke with my family only as I had to resume batting the next morning and didn't want to lose focus."