Kapil Dev: ‘I think Kohli is an inspiration for the U-19 boys’

V.V.S. Laxman, the batting great, credits former team-mate Rahul Dravid — the coach — for his planning skills ahead of the ICC event.

Kapil Dev was also amazed to see the young bowlers cross the 140-kmph mark consistently throughout the tournament.

 

Cricket great Kapil Dev says it is amazing to see the young India U-19 team win the World Cup in New Zealand on Saturday.

“It is truly fabulous. Frankly, I haven’t seen much of U-19 cricket back home in India. But, the way these boys performed in the World Cup is something really special,” the 1983 World Cup winning team captain said speaking to a couple of reporters here on Saturday.

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“Credit should go to the coach, Rahul Dravid, and also to the bowling coach Paras Mhambrey. Honestly, it is a great feeling to see the young fast bowlers cross the 140-kmph mark consistently throughout the World Cup. And, even more wonderful experience to see them field brilliantly too,” Kapil said.

“I also think senior India captain Kohli is a huge inspiration for these boys for the way he sets exceptional standards in terms of fitness in recent times,” he said.

“Hats off to the BCCI, the officials and all those who worked so hard to see India win another U-19 World Cup,” he added.

VVS Laxman, another batting great, says that this Indian team played like a champion side throughout the World Cup. “And the credit goes to Dravid as there has been lot of planning since seven months for this World Cup as I found out from the discussions I have been having with him,” he said.

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“The bowlers did a fantastic job. Tactically, captain Prithvi Shaw was good. It is great to see fast bowlers give their heart out not just with the ball but on the field too,” Laxman said.

“It has been a truly exceptional performance from the young Indian side which should augur well for Indian cricket,” he added.

Laxman served a note of caution saying that in the past there have been players who have done well for India U-19, but they have disappeared after a couple of seasons. “I hope these players get opportunities in their respective domestic sides and continue to be monitored by the BCCI. I see a lot of players from this lot knocking the doors of Indian team. They have the talent and attitude,” he said.