India captain Unmukt Chand on Sunday hailed the "team spirit and obedience" of his boys after they upstaged formidable defending champions Australia to clinch their third Under-19 World Cup title in Townsville.
"We started two years ago. It has been a great journey. Initially we were 15 people from different states but over the time we have evolved into a single unit. The boys have been very obedient and have helped me a lot in this campaign," Chand, who was adjudged man of the match for his unbeaten 11-run knock, said.
The Delhi lad's knock was the bedrock of India's successful chase of a challenging victory target of 226 set by Australia in bowler-friendly conditions.
Chand, in company of wicketkeeper batsman Smit Patel (62 not out), raised a 130-run partnership for the fifth wicket to help India's chase.
"It was due. I am thankful to the god that I could take my team through. The Aussies played very well but we came on top," Chand said.
The skipper also thanked the support staff for their consistent encouragement and said without their help, the campaign would not have been complete.
{{/usCountry}}The skipper also thanked the support staff for their consistent encouragement and said without their help, the campaign would not have been complete.
{{/usCountry}}"I would like to thank the support staff without them it would not have been possible. I would also like to thank my team, we had a great time together. It is a very emotional moment, like to thank all the people in India, who prayed for us and to all the Indian fans at the ground," he said.