Himachal Pradesh's Nikhil Gangta, who hogged headlines for his brilliant innings in the Duleep Trophy 2018-19 final, has revealed on Tuesday (11 September) that how cricket became his passion and started his journey to pursue it as a profession.

Gangta, who is an example of hard work, determination and hours of dedication, revealed that his desire of becoming a cricketer began in Shimla, where he went for the district trials and it was his first step towards his “calling” –dream of became an Indian cricketer.

As per reports in Sportskeeda, Nikhil said of his journey, “My cricket journey started when I was 14 years old, I used to play in the streets then I went for the district trial in Shimla. That was my first step towards my 'calling'. When I came back from my inter-district matches, we won the finals and I became the man of the tournament, highest scorer and then I joined a cricket academy in Chandigarh. I started my coaching under Sukhwinder Bawa sir, who has also coached Yuvraj Singh.”

The 26-year-old scored 130 off 241 balls including seven fours and six sixes to help India Blue to beat India Red in the Duleep Trophy final to win the trophy for the second time and Nikhil was adjudged the man of the match for his match-winning knock. He also rated his entertaining innings as best he has played till date.

Gangta signed off by saying, “When I went to bat my plan was to stay at the wicket as I know I am capable of hitting boundaries and big hits, that's what I did when I was in my zone and I was happy that we made a mammoth score of 541 and won the game comprehensively. Batting at No. 7 and winning the game for my team, I rate this final Duleep Trophy innings as my best one till now.”