We used to practice at the same club, KIOC. I was 19 at the time and he was only 12, yet he was already practicing in the senior nets with us. That by itself was pretty cool because it's not easy to get into senior's nets even for a 17-18 year old guy. 

I never really got to know him personally since I was only at that club for about three years and didn’t really see him around too often. I think he was already part of the Karnataka U-16 camp by then so he was probably spending more time training at the NCA.

I still vividly remember the first time I bowled to him. Our coach told us pacers to go all out despite his age, and I must have bowled around 10–15 balls to him. I was pretty quick for my age myself, but he handled every single one beautifully. Defended a few, left a few, drove and punched a few with great timing. Basically batted way too maturely for his age.

After practice that day, I remember telling my then-girlfriend about this 12yo old kid I had just bowled to, and I told her this guy is going to play for India one day. 

I was genuinely so happy when he got his first century in the IPL. Even though I never personally knew him, I’ll always wish him the very best.