We sit down with Harjas Singh, one of the most exciting young left-handed batters in Australian cricket.

Harjas is a 2024 Under-19 World Cup winner, Australia's top scorer in the final against India, the Western Suburbs batter who smashed a record-breaking 314 off 141 balls, and has now earned his first NSW rookie contract.

In this conversation, Harjas opens up about what the NSW rookie contract means to him, how life changes when cricket becomes your profession, and the hard work still ahead as he looks to push towards a full contract and future BBL opportunities.

We also explore one of the most unique parts of Harjas' journey, his background in Sikh/Punjabi martial arts. Harjas explains how training with sticks and swords from a young age helped develop his wrist and arm strength, and how that physical base carries into his batting.

This episode also dives deep into the mental side of the game. Harjas shares how breathwork helps him manage adrenaline, calm his nerves, stay present, and avoid getting caught up in past failures or future outcomes.

He reflects on the mindset shift that helped him enjoy his cricket more, focus on his Monday to Friday preparation, and produce a breakout season in NSW Premier Cricket.

A fascinating conversation on culture, power hitting, breathwork, pressure, staying present, and the journey from junior cricket to becoming a NSW professional.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

00:36 NSW rookie contract and becoming a pro

03:55 Punjabi martial arts and life outside cricket

08:30 Faith, adrenaline and demonstrations

10:00 How martial arts connects to batting

11:21 Breathwork and controlling nerves

14:02 Staying present and calm

16:10 Batting instincts, zones and the 314 mindset

19:14 Junior cricket, pressure and enjoying the game

22:23 Preparation over outcomes

23:44 Family, Westfields and his dad's influence

28:53 Facing genuine pace and Australia U19 selection

32:40 England U19 debut and Youth Test hundred

38:12 U19 World Cup memories

41:22 World Cup final against India

44:16 Sydney Sixers and learning from elite players

48:57 Breakout Premier Cricket season and adapting formats

52:19 Switching off between balls

54:35 Matchups, T20 batting and grade cricket lessons

57:12 Best players, hardest bowlers and best advice

01:00:10 Advice for young cricketers

01:00:59 Final words

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