The India under-19 team’s spectacular ICC World Cup performance in New Zealand has received praise from across the cricket community.
Former West Indies fast bowler and television commentator Ian Bishop said: “I knew India would do well, but they have surpassed my expectations. They have been outstanding.”
Team coach Rahul Dravid can take a lot of credit for the dazzling show. But at the press conference here on Monday, Dravid said the victory belonged to the players.
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“We (support staff) can only do so much. They handled the pressure situations, especially against Pakistan, very well,” said Dravid.
Having worked with the team for two years and created the blue print for the team’s ultimate goal in New Zealand, Dravid and chairman of the junior selection committee Venkatesh Prasad had told the BCCI that the under-19 boys should not play more than one World Cup.
Dravid reiterated his thoughts on a sensitive matter, saying: “I feel that once the boys are good enough, they should go on to play men’s cricket, especially those who have played First Class cricket.
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“We made a conscious decision not to pick them (eligible players from the 2016 competition) for this World Cup as I felt it would be better for them to play under-23 cricket and senior men’s cricket. I am not sure if it’s the best for the boys. Some of them can go on to play in the next Under-19 World Cup. It’s for the BCCI to decide.”
Dravid also said he and the team had not treated the semifinal against Pakistan differently. “It was the same against all opponents, the preparation and the planning did not change. But playing Pakistan was an experience. They could not have escaped the hype. They are all part of social media and knew what was happening.”
Asked if he was satisfied, Dravid said: “The real satisfaction is that a process was followed over the last 14-16 months. The planning and preparation that has gone into, not necessarily for this World Cup, but for developing the under-19 team.
“I am really happy that the 15 boys got to win the World Cup. They deserve it. They made a lot of sacrifices. It was great team work; the guys behind the scenes, the selectors, NCA and the BCCI.”
Responding to a question on the under-19 teams of his time and now, Dravid said: “You can’t compare generations. When we played, we played only a Test series against New Zealand.
“This generation is extremely fit, aggressive, plays positive and are worldly wise. That’s good. It says a lot about the exposure and opportunity they have been given.”
What about the future? “The great thing about this World Cup was the televised games. Some of the boys said the final was a different experience.
“The challenge and the hard work really start from here, we have had a couple of conversations on it.”
A different feeling
Mumbai boy Prithvi Shaw was all ears as Dravid fielded the questions.
But when his chance came, the captain and opening batsman, said: “I am happy and proud.
“I have played a lot of school cricket and scored heavily there and then in the Ranji Trophy, but when we represent India it’s a different feeling. And becoming a World Cup-winning captain, I can't express the feeling in words. Thanks to everyone.”