Learnt a lot from Rahul Sir: Zeeshan Ansari

For Zeeshan Ansari, the junior World Cup was a mixed bag. On one hand he is happy to learn new things from the India head coach Rahul Dravid, while on the flip side is the anti-climax of not coming good in the final against West Indies in Bangladesh. The 17-year-old legspinner, the son of a tailor, talks about his experiences there and many more in an exclusive chat with the ToI.

Overall it was fine as we made it to the final. But then, not winning it is a big disappointment.

Our batting collapsed. Also the West Indies had a strategy of not bringing in their spinners against our batsmen. They just bowled their fast bowlers to peg us down. But we can take heart from the fact that we took the match to the final over even after scoring just 145 runs. Hadn't we dropped a few catches, the final result could have been different. Left-arm spinner Mayank Dagar bow led really well to stretch the match to the distance.

Rahul (Dravid) Sir called for a party in the team room. He ordered biryani at the team room. He ordered biryani and cold drinks and also got the music, but we couldn't enjoy much after the loss.

Sir talked a lot about the basics of the game. We gained a lot from his knowledge of the game. But the biggest thing I learnt from him is a lesson or two on humility. He is too humble a person. That is one thing I would love to emulate.

Yes it has helped a lot. He has given me a schedule and told me to work more to develop my shoulder, back and legs. Incidentally, I had lost the schedule after coming back, but has got it back via email. Now I have started practice seriously and working to develop my strength.

Sarfaraz Khan was the most impressive. I also liked the attitude and temperament of Rishabh Pant, Shamar Springer (West Indian all-rounder) and Mason Crane (England legspinner).

Nothing. The security was very tight. We never moved out of the hotel in Dhaka. So, not seeing anything there is also a disappointment.

Cricket obviously. Will be attending the Zonal Cricket Academy camp, and then training and some more training for the next season.