IPL's 16-year-old 'crorepati' Barman: I carried my books to matches

Juggling studies and the worldrsquos biggest cricket league is something totally unheard of Isnrsquot it Ask Prayas Ray Barman the 16year old from West Bengal who bagged a Rs 15 crore contract with the Royal Challengers Bangalore and made his debut against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing IPLWhen most kids his age are either shuttling between schools and tuitions or hanging out with friends this teenager is preparing himself to take on the big boys in the league He impressed at the auctions courtesy his scintillating List A performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with 11 wickets from 9 matches at an economy rate of just 445 No wonder the youngest IPL debutant is also the youngest IPL millionaireAlso ReadI carry laddoos which my mother makes says Delhi Capitals Jalaj SaxenaIn this exclusive a confident Barman opens up on the IPL experience his idol Virat Kohli the IPL experience and the dream of playing the U19 World Cup next yearHow does it feel to be IPLrsquos youngest debutantOf course itrsquos a great feeling First of all when I got into the auction it was a different feeling and after that everything has changed Getting into a team like RCB my favourite team from the first season Of course the debut was very good getting the cap from Virat Kohli It would have been better if the result was in our favour but still it was a great feeling How was your familyrsquos reaction when you were picked in the auction initiallyWell there were no expectations that I would be getting into some team When I was picked they were overwhelmed and very happy They wanted to celebrate It was a great feeling with the family What did Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers tell you when you were named in the playing elevenThey just told me that itrsquos your first game of the IPL so just enjoy the game because this moment wonrsquot come ever again and everything will fall into placeWhat was the feeling when you came to bowl your first over in the IPLWe were not in a great position when I came in to bowl my first over David Warner and Jonny Bairstow were going great guns Of course there was a little bit of pressure but I didnrsquot feel it that much because the team wanted me to deliver I just tried to express myselfYou also had your Class 12 exams going alongside the start of the IPL How did you manage thatI was just carrying my books and when there was no practice I used to be at my hotel room studying It wasnrsquot that easy It was kind of harsh to study during the rest period I just had to manage somehowTell us how do you manage the fame and attention you have received at such a young age when you go to college amongst your teenage friendsI donrsquot attend college or school that much so whatever it is itrsquos just you need to know they are actually your friends and you need to tell them that itrsquos what was meant to beWhere do you see yourself after 5 years in cricketWell I am not thinking about the next 5 years but I am eyeing the U19 World Cup next year and I am focusing on just that I am just aiming to be in the team and win the World Cup for the countryTell us about the importance of Bengal cricket in you getting noticed at the IPL levelBengal cricket has a very huge role to play in my career At such a young age they gave me the opportunity to represent the senior team I didnt expect that Though it was unfortunate that the team didnrsquot do that well I am happy I could do decently and maybe thatrsquos why I am hereWho is your favourite cricketer and whyOf course it has to be Virat Kohli I have been following his game since he made his debut and hersquos been a revelation since then The way he pursues cricket the fitness he possesses and his passion and love for the game are just unbelievable He teaches us all these things I havenrsquot seen it before and after meeting him I have started respecting him even moreWhat do you think of Indiarsquos chances during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019Itrsquos great I think India is one of the favourites because under the leadership of Virat Kohli and the experienced MS Dhoni we have the right mixture of talent Our batting is also very good I strongly believe it will be a great tournament for Team IndiaAlso ReadMy family was happy to know I was playing under Virat Kohli says Shivam DubeCatch up on all the latest IPL News and updates here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates