Tauranga (New Zealand): An elated India U-19 head coach Rahul Dravid hopes that his World Cup winning wards will have many such lasting memories in the future, adding that the support staff had helped him make the title triumph possible.
“I am really proud of the boys and the effort they put in.
“Proud of the effort they put in and couldn’t be happier for them. Hopefully it’s a memory they cherish for a long, long time, but hopefully not the lasting memory and they have many more great moments and bigger things in future,” the batting legend said after India outclassed Australia to win their fourth U-19 World Cup.
“I don’t want to mention names, but everyone in the support staff has put in a great effort. We do the best for the kids,” Dravid added as the boys in blue celebrated loudly behind him.
Electing to bat first, Australia were dismissed for 216 runs in 47.2 overs. Ishan Porel, Shiva Singh and Anukul Roy picked up two wickets each for India.
Opener Manjot Kalra then spearheaded the Indian run chase with an unbeaten century as the Boys in Blue romped to victory with 67 balls to spare.
Kalra remained unbeaten on 101 runs off 102 deliveries while Harvik Desai was not out on 47 at the other end.
“All credit to our support staff, they’ve really been supporting us for the last two years. And full credit to the guys as well. Rahul sir is a legend,” India skipper Prithvi Shaw said at the presentation ceremony.
“It was the final, a very crucial hundred from Manjot. Gill was batting really well. And the two pacers, Mavi and Kamlesh, who’ve been excellent throughout the tournament. Thanks for all the support from India. Great memories here. We’re looking forward to going back,” he added.
Player of tournament Shubman Gill, who amassed 372 runs in six matches, including a hundred in the semi-final against Pakistan, said coach Dravid always told him to play along the ground and that worked.
He is also hoping to do well in the Indian Premier League where he will play for Kolkata Knight Riders who bought him for Rs 1.8 crore.
“I’m really proud of my team. We were fortunate enough to have Rahul as coach,” Gill said.
“He was always telling me to express myself and play along the ground as much as possible. It was a good experience for all of us. It’s been pretty exciting. I hope I’ll do well in the IPL as well.”
Bollywood celebs hail U19 World Cup victory
Celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Farhan Akhtar among many others have congratulated the Indian Under 19 team for lifting the ICC U19 World Cup for a record fourth time.
Here’s what the celebs have tweeted:
Amitabh Bachchan: Yeah! India Champions! Under 19 world cricket champions. The only nation to have won four times! Amazing! Well done India U19 cricket, you have given us such pride and joy.
Shah Rukh Khan: Wow. What a proud moment for young India. Well done little ones… May you keep conquering the world.
Suniel Shetty: Out numbering their age with their scores! A team trained by ‘The Wall’ had to stand tall! What a glorious win team Under 19! Kudos Rahul Dravid.
Farhan Akhtar: Congratulations team India. Well played. Well deserved. And a special mention for Rahul Dravid who is giving back to the game like a true champion.
Arjun Kapoor: We are the champions! Congrats under 19 team India for this amazing victory.
Vivek Anand Oberoi: Congrats team India under 19 and the amazing Rahul Dravid. So proud of you! Unbeaten champs through the tournament! Four world titles a record we are all so proud.
Adnan Sami: Huge congratulations to team India for becoming U19 Cricket World Champions!! Mighty Proud!
Raveena Tandon: Under 19 World Cup our young boys in blue waved the Bharat Army flag dedicating their win to Indian Army! Awesome gesture!
S.S Rajamouli: Congratulations India U-19 team for winning the World Cup for the 4th time. Fantastic. So elated that both the senior team and U-19 team have the best fast bowling attacks.
Saiyami Kher: World champions! What a dominating performance by team India… Incredible! Prithvi Shaw congratulations to you and the boys! Rahul Dravid you genius. Thank you.
