Memories of the 2012 under-19 World Cup triumph came rushing back for Delhi-based coach Sanjay Bhardwaj on Saturday. Just like Unmukt Chand had done in the 2012 final against Australia
India's Manjot Kalra celebrates his century against Australia on Saturday. PIC/AFP
Memories of the 2012 under-19 World Cup triumph came rushing back for Delhi-based coach Sanjay Bhardwaj on Saturday. Just like Unmukt Chand had done in the 2012 final against Australia, his other ward, Manjot Kalra smashed a sublime century against the same opponents. Kalra rose to the occasion to hit an unbeaten 101 off 102 balls as India chased down the 217-run target with relative ease to lift the U-19 World Cup title. Kalra anchored the innings after losing skipper Prithvi Shaw and the team's leading run-scorer in the tournament, Shubman Gill. Wicketkeeper-batsman Harvik Desai provided good support to Kalra with an unbeaten 47.
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Bhardwaj was thrilled at Kalra's three-figure innings. "I urged Manjot to get a hundred in the final when we spoke two days ago. I wanted Manjot to score a hundred in the final just like Unmukt did. I also told him that a century in the final would be remembered forever. He was so calm and composed. He batted just like the way he usually does," Bhardwaj said. "He is a good guy and wants to play cricket at the highest level. His elder brother Hitesh was a cricketer too, but couldn't continue as he joined the family business. Manjot, who is humble will continue his education as well," said the coach, who wanted to see some improvement in Kalra's cricket. "He is very strong on the off side, but has to improve his leg-side game. I'm sure he will learn with time," he remarked.
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