The transition from age-group cricket to senior domestic cricket, including the Ranji Trophy, brought new challenges and perspectives.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYour mindset definitely changes a bit. When you lead as a captain and then move into senior domestic cricket where you\u2019re sharing a dressing room with experienced players, it\u2019s a completely different environment. Being around seniors gives you confidence, and that experience changes your game and your mindset,\u201d Dhull told IANS in an exclusive interview.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With India on the brink of another T20 World Cup final, Dhull backed the team\u2019s balance and confidence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe match against West Indies was crucial, and they won it very well. Sanju Samson played brilliantly. Right now, the team is in a very good mindset. I\u2019m confident that India will win the final this time,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He singled out Ishan Kishan for special praise. \u201cThe way he made a comeback and is now performing in the World Cup is impressive. And the way Sanju made a comeback and won the match for India, both of them can help India even more.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 23-year-old believes that his match-winning hundred in the U19 World Cup 2022 semi-final remains a defining moment of his young career, one that reshaped his mindset as both a batter and a leader.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cScoring a hundred in the semi-final was like a dream for me because that\u2019s such a crucial stage. First of all, I never even thought I would become captain. Then to score 100 in a semi-final of such an important match, maybe it was God\u2019s plan, and I\u2019m grateful for that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
His seamless switch to the senior circuit, highlighted by a century on his Ranji debut, came during what he describes as a special phase.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a phase in everyone\u2019s life when things just fall into place. When you keep playing and performing everywhere, there\u2019s a certain vibe; wherever you play, you\u2019re enjoying yourself and performing consistently. At that time in my life, everything was going well,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Having opened and also batted in the middle order, Dhull made it clear where he sees himself long term, saying, \u201cI see myself as a team member first. It depends on what the team needs and where I can contribute the most. I prepare according to that.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But when pressed on his preferred slot, the Delhi batter was candid. \u201cI\u2019ve been batting at one-down for Delhi, and that position suits me a lot. I enjoy playing the new ball. So for me, number three is good, one down is my preference.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Dhull impressed in both formats last season, striking at 167 in the DPL while also finishing as Delhi\u2019s second-highest run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Asked about it, he said, \u201cYou just have to stay mentally prepared because sometimes you\u2019re playing red-ball cricket and sometimes white-ball cricket. During practice, we switch between red ball and white ball sessions. It\u2019s all about mental adjustment.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He believes each format offers a unique thrill. \u201cIn T20, the game can change in just one over. In one-day cricket, momentum keeps shifting. In Tests, sometimes you don\u2019t even know until the fourth day what the result will be. Every format has its own fun.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Delhi batter also opened up about the heart condition and surgery he underwent as a child, a phase he describes as transformative.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThat phase was tough, but it helped me a lot in life. I understood myself better , what mistakes I was making, how I could become mentally stronger. Things were going smoothly and suddenly there was a setback. My motivation was to recover quickly and come back in better form,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reassuringly, he added, \u201cTouchwood, everything is fine. I stopped taking medicines more than a year ago. I live a completely normal life like any other person.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThat phase was tough, but it helped me a lot in life. I understood myself better , what mistakes I was making, how I could become mentally stronger. Things were going smoothly and suddenly there was a setback. My motivation was to recover quickly and come back in better form,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Dhull, the journey from U-19 glory to senior ambition is still unfolding, but clarity of role, adaptability, and resilience already define the road ahead.<\/p>\r\n\r\n