The Prithvi Shaw-led India under-19 World Cup-winning squad did not just leave the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui after the presentation ceremony for a celebration party at the team's hotel on Saturday
India players after winning the U-19 World Cup on Saturday
The Prithvi Shaw-led India under-19 World Cup-winning squad did not just leave the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui after the presentation ceremony for a celebration party at the team's hotel on Saturday. They stayed put at the venue where they beat Australia convincingly and celebrated hard. If they believed the serious moments ended before the winning runs were hit, they were mistaken. There was some unfinished business on the turf of the Bay Oval and probably, the moment of the day for Dravid and his boys came at around 11.30 pm when his team trooped from a bubbly dressing room to the centre again.
ADVERTISEMENT
A source told mid-day on Saturday: "Rahul sir addressed all the boys, support staff and thanked each one in a huddle on the ground. He also asked us to feel this moment and cherish it forever. He did this for us to get that feeling of accomplishment once again while standing in the middle." Earlier in the day, once the bowlers dismissed Australia for 216, Dravid did not miss out on an opportunity to encourage the Indian colts. "He congratulated our bowling unit for their excellent performance and said: 'Great work boys. It's half done now, but we have to concentrate on chasing the target.' He was confident of our batting abilities while chasing 216," said the source.
Interestingly, Dravid alongwith VVS Laxman and Ajit Agarkar stayed behind at the Adelaide Oval to savour India's four-wicket win over Australia in 2003. While man of the match Dravid scored 233 and 72 not out, Laxman slammed 148 and Agarkar claimed six for 41 to help India go one-up on Australian soil for the first time. Dravid could well have been reminded of that Adelaide triumph on Saturday.
Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here
Download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
