The batsman, who impressed at the Under-19 Junior World Cup in Sri Lanka last year, was on Tuesday included in India's one-day squad for the forthcoming tour to the UK and Ireland.

Sharma's coach Dinesh Lad said: "Two years ago I had said that he needs to play two seasons of first-class cricket before making the international grade.

"Now he has almost played two years in domestic cricket. It is the perfect time for him. He is ready.

"He told me he wanted to play for India this year. He has worked really hard this season. He has even become very particular about his diet and has been running for nearly one hour daily.

"He always had natural talent. After playing with all the seniors in the Challenger and Ranji Trophy his confidence level has increased."

And Lad, who spotted Sharma's talent at an early age and has played a big role in nurturing it at the Swami Vivekanand International School in Gorai, is not of the opinion the player's international career will be hindered by not starting in the Test side.

"He will learn from playing with so many seniors," Lad told Indian newspaper Mid Day.

"It is only a matter of time before he gets into Test cricket.

"This is just the start, he should play international cricket for at least 10 years."