Divyansh Joshi, first cricketer from Mizoram, wants to compete with Hardik Pandya

Mumbai: Divyansh Joshi, the 18-year-old Delhi-born all-rounder from Mizoram is over the moon. He will be the first from Mizoram to represent India.

He has been included in India's Under-19 squad for the upcoming World Cup to be played in South Africa in January-February 2020.

Speaking exclusively over the telephone, he said, "It is a great feeling to be selected from Mizoram. It is also an inspiration to all the people from there."

"Getting selected for U-14, U-16, U-19 state teams and now Indian team gives me immense pleasure."

His under-19 coach, Murtaza Lodghar has high hopes on him.

"He can be a sensational player. I have been working with him. He can be India's next Hardik Pandya. His future is bright and he can be an asset to any IPL team," the coach, speaking to this reporter added.

However, the player himself does not want to be compared with Hardik Pandya at such an early age.

"I think Hardik Pandya is a very big player and I am nowhere near to him. But yes, I would surely like to be his competitor one day."

Divyansh Joshi's father (Shyam Prakash Joshi) is a software engineer and his mother (Shashi Joshi) is a housewife. He also has an elder sister.