India opener Prithvi Shaw who is also the youngest Indian to score a Test century on debut recently talked about how his ‘idol’ Sachin Tendulkar has advised him to always play his natural game and stay calm off the field.

“He has had a big influence on me. I first met him when I was eight. He always tells me to play my natural game and according to the situation. Off the field also, he asked me to stay calm,” Shaw said in an Instagram Live session with his IPL franchise Delhi Capitals.

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The 20-year-old who opened in two Test matches along with Mayank Agarwal against New Zealand said that Tendulkar had once asked him not to change his grip.

“I am a bottom-hand player and Sachin sir had asked me not to change my grip. I was young and I used to change my grip as per coaches’ advice. But after Sachin sir told me, I did not change my grip,” he said.

The right-hand batsman then said that he doesn’t get under pressure when people compare him with the master blaster, by saying, “There is the pressure when people compare me to him. But I take it as a challenge. I try to play like him. He is the God of cricket.”

When asked about what other sports he enjoys playing, Shaw replied, “I play golf, I like table tennis and also like swimming.”

He also revealed the favorite opening partner he has played with by saying, “Shikhar Dhawan because I have opened most with him.”

(With IANS inputs)