We didn’t play our number one game in final, says Dravid
Coach Rahul Dravid on Monday said his players did not play their “number one game” in the final of the ICC U-19 World Cup, notwithstanding the eight-wicket drubbing of Australia en route to winning the title.
Dravid, though, promptly added that his team fully deserved the title triumph.
“We did not play our number one game in the finals, that we played in the quarterfinal (versus Bangladesh) and semifinal (against Pakistan). Just the fact that they played the finals was an experience,” Dravid said.
The former India captain was speaking after the team’s arrival in Mumbai from New Zealand where the tournament was held.
“I’m really happy that the 15 boys got to wear World Cup medal. They deserve it. It’s been a lot of sacrifices, the way they played in the World Cup.
“The way they jelled, the quality of cricket they played — all these give you a lot of satisfaction. We were under pressure in a few games, but there were people who stood up and delivered.”
Appreciated process of the team
The batting legend added that the most satisfying part, other than winning the World Cup, was the process the team followed to reach the top.
“The real satisfaction, in my opinion, is the process that was followed over the last 14-16 months, the whole planning and preparation that has gone into, not necessarily for this World Cup, but for developing the U19 players.
“It was great team work, guys behind the scenes, the selectors, NCA, the BCCI setting up games and series. Winning a tournament like this is a good reflection of the team work.”
Dravid cautioned that the real test awaits his young players.
“The challenge and the hard work really start from here, we had couple of conversation on it. When we were there they showed a rerun of the 2012 finals and I started checking upon a few things.
“It is interesting... the result of the final is India beat Australia but six years down the line only one of those boys has played for India while 5-6 of them went on to play for Australia.”
'Dealing with pressure'
He felt a lot will depend on how the young players are managed.
“Talent is there, ability is there, it’s about managing themselves, how to deal with pressure and the expectations that will come as U-19 champions.
“It’s not easy to get into the Indian side. At least if they become good first class cricketers, from then on it becomes a stepping stone to play for India.”
Dravid said the players treated the high-pressure semifinal against arch-foes Pakistan like any other game.
“The boys knew that many people watch it. We played two Asia Cups but we did not play Pakistan, I am happy that they got to know what an India-Pakistan game is about, at the U-19 level.
“The way our boys handled that game, the quality of cricket that we played, the intensity that we showed was commendable and we did not give them a chance to come back.”
Dravid felt these boys should now quit playing age-level cricket, although he said it was his personal view.
“My view is quite well known. I feel that once the boys are good enough they should go on to play men’s cricket, especially those who had played first class cricket.
“Five boys from last year’s World Cup qualified to play this time. But we made a conscious decision not to pick them as I felt it will be better for them to play U-23 cricket and senior men’s cricket.”
It’s been one difficult journey, says Shaw
India Under 19 captain Prithvi Shaw termed his journey from Virar to Mount Maunganui a “difficult” one and said words can never express the emotions that he felt while guiding the Indian U-19 team to World Cup glory.
“Becoming World Cup captain I can’t express in words the feeling and thanks to everyone,” said Shaw, who guided the Indian team to its record fourth World Cup title after beating Australia at Mount Maunganui in the final.
“It was a difficult journey for me starting where I used to live in Virar. All credit to my dad he was the only who took me (everywhere). He used to take me to matches practices and it was far away from my home in Virar.”
Shaw comes from Virar, a small down in Palghar district near Mumbai and the youngster walked down memory lane and retraced his journey from his home town to New Zealand.
“It used to take two hours, the journey from the train and it was difficult in those days. In the past two three years I am working hard to play for India Under 19,” said Shaw, who scored a hundred in Ranji and Duleep Trophy debut.
“It is all about experience, when you are 7-8 years old you start playing school cricket and score runs, my coaches from school level to Rahul Dravid Sir now, all those small, small things, the experiences make a difference.”
Shaw, who scored 261 runs including two fifties during the tournament, said his team executed the plans to perfection and he is extremely proud of them.
“I am very happy and proud, I played a lot of school cricket and scored heavily there and then the Ranji Trophy but when we represent India, it’s a different feeling,” Shaw told reporter here after the team’s arrival.
“And yes we have brought the World Cup back and everybody, including the support staff, has worked hard for last more than one year. The way we planned it, it was well executed on the ground and hence we lifted the World Cup,” said Shaw.
http://www.thehindu.com/sport/crick...in-final-says-dravid/article22660822.ece/amp/
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n difficult pitches(1st and 3rd test) Vijay and Pujara scored runs while Kohli failed.
