One of the silver linings of India’s triumphant ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup campaign in New Zealand was the performances of the fast bowlers, with the pace trio of Shivam Mavi, Ishan Porel and Kamlesh Nagarkoti impressing many observers of the game, not least former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly.
Dada on Saturday hailed India’s successful campaign, which ended with a thumping eight-wicket win over Australia in the final, and reserved special praise for the three fast bowlers.
“You look at the fast bowlers Nagarkoti, Mavi, Porel they all are hitting 140. They are just 17-18 years of age. I agree and understand that the bridge between the U-19 and senior level is a lot more and these boys will have to cover that bridge but they’ve got serious talent these young kids,” he told India Today after India’s victory.
Ganguly attributed the success of the Indian youngsters to the domestic cricket structure back home, saying work done in the last ten years have created a robust system for youth cricketers.
“The system in Indian cricket is so good that it actually helps produce good cricketers. I must say over the last 10 years a lot of work has been done in creating a level where everybody improves. You go back to the states, U-19 level there’s so much of cricket and everything is well organised. You look at the international level, the number of tours they play. The A team goes away for so much time. They will also go to England in July when the senior team will be there. So it’s a system which produces players,” he stated.
{{/usCountry}}“The system in Indian cricket is so good that it actually helps produce good cricketers. I must say over the last 10 years a lot of work has been done in creating a level where everybody improves. You go back to the states, U-19 level there’s so much of cricket and everything is well organised. You look at the international level, the number of tours they play. The A team goes away for so much time. They will also go to England in July when the senior team will be there. So it’s a system which produces players,” he stated.
{{/usCountry}}Praising former teammate Rahul Dravid for successfully coaching the side to victory, Ganguly also lauded the support staff of the coach.
“The best thing was when Rahul was being interviewed after the match, the boys were jumping and celebrating. That’s the kind of freedom these young boys have. Not just Rahul, you got to give credit to Paras Mhambre and all the support staff,” he said.
India ended their campaign at the Under-19 Cricket with a 100% win record, with batsman Shubman Gills winning the ‘Man of the Tournament’ accolade.