India’s captain Virat Kohli has urged the U-19 World Cup champions to aspire to become Test cricketers. The Delhi batsman said that if the U-19 players focus on playing Test cricket, then it will be easier for them to adapt to the shorter formats.
First, I would like to congratulate them for winning the U-19 World Cup. We have already given our team message, but I would like to congratulate them once again. It’s a very happy moment. It’s a proud moment for the players and their family as well. There will two or three players in the limelight already. But the strong foundation of first-class cricket shouldn’t be neglected. And if the players have an intention to play Test cricket, then all formats will be taken care of.Virat Kohli
Kohli spoke about his mindset after the leading India to victory in the U-19 World Cup in 2008.
Once the U-19 World Cup was over, I wanted to perform in the first-class arena and then I wanted to make mark while touring with the India A team, so that the concerned people would get a felling that I could play in the next level.Virat Kohli
Kohli said that he can see the belief in the U-19 players.
I can see the belief in the U-19 players. As long as they aspire to become Test cricketers, I have no doubt that most of the players from the U-19 team can play for India.Virat Kohli
India lifted a record fourth U-19 World Cup trophy after an eight-wicket rout of Australia in the final on Saturday, underlining their dominant run in the tournament and giving Rahul Dravid the biggest success of his coaching career.
As it has been the case through out the tournament, India had all their bases covered with bowlers bouncing back to dismiss Australia for 216 from 183 for four at one stage.
The highly-rated batting, barring a minor blip, completed the job with conviction as India chased down the modest target in 38.5 overs.
Delhi boy Manjot Kalra emerged as the man for big occasion, scoring a sublime 101 not out off 102 balls and anchoring the innings after the loss of captain Prithvi Shaw and team's leading scorer in the tournament, Shubman Gil.
With a fourth crown, India also surpassed Australia in the race of most U-19 World Cup titles. Prior to the final, India and Australia were locked at three titles each.
(With inputs from PTI)
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