After a rousing welcome at the airport on Tuesday afternoon on arrival after lifting the Under-19 World Cup and before getting together for a team dinner — a celebration party hosted by the BCCI — the young stars fielded questions from a horde of journalists during a chaotic session. Excerpts:
I have always enjoyed bowling fast. I knew I was quick but had not clocked myself. I was happy to see the speed gun showing the readings it did — all-rounder Kamlesh Nagarkoti .
We had discussed a basic plan before every game and wanted to back each other, just as all fast bowlers do. We had decided that if one of us was in the zone and picking up wickets, the other would concentrate on keeping it tight and focus on bowling dot balls. Glad that it worked most of the time — Shivam Mavi , on bowling in tandem with Nagarkoti.
Yuvraj Singh helped me a lot. I first met him during the camp at NCA, where he was also training. He gave me some of the most valuable tips. He told me not to commit the mistakes he had made when he was my age. That changed my whole approach towards the game — Shubman Gill , on the influence of his Punjab senior.
Pakistanis, expectedly, sledged us and we gave it back. But one of the most memorable moments for me was when we made Rahul Dravid sir dance. We were singing and dancing to some English and Hindi numbers during the party after the final and we dragged him to the dance floor. He was sporting enough to shake a leg — Manjot Kalra , the Man-of-the-Match of the final.
Paras sir (bowling coach Mhambrey) told me how he had managed to return from a major injury he suffered during his playing days. That gave me the confidence that I could recover quickly — Ishan Porel , on returning from a heel injury he suffered in India's tournament opener.
