19reasons whyIndiaworld’sbest
WINNING WAYS Talent and awareness of players to the Dravidled staff’s attention to detail, everything came together NEWDELHI:
India was one run away from the ICC Under-19 World Cup title. Skipper Prithvi Shaw and team-mates were impatiently waiting to charge on to the field.
It was an overflow of emotions in Tauranga as the winning boundary was hit.
Shaw and his teammates roared in glee. Some players plucked the stumps while others tackled centurion Manjot Kalra to the ground.
When the trophy was presented, the happiness and roar in the Indian camp represented a great end to a perfect campaign -India scaled the summit, clinching a record fourth title with an eight-wicket win over Australia.
Here are the 19 reasons why India conquered the world.
THE LEGEND OF DRAVID
With almost 25,000 runs in Tests and ODIs combined, India’s U-19 boys got as mentor a man known for his grit in tough situations, one who knew how to get the best out of the youngsters.
REACHING EARLY
To acclimatise to conditions in New Zealand, India reached two weeks in advance and played three warm-up games. This was vital in India’s dominant run.
WINNING HABIT
From the 2016 World Cup till 2018, India won the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, defeated England 3-1 at home and whitewashed them 5-0 away. This gave the side great momentum.
BIG MARGINS
Victories by 100 runs, 10 wickets twice, 131 runs, 203 runs and eight wickets -- India showcased their supreme confidence in each game.
CONSISTENT OPENERS With opening stands of 180, 67, 155, 16, 89, and 71 in the final, Prithvi Shaw and Manjot Kalra always laid the base to dictate terms to the opposition.
GILL’S CONSISTENCY PASSING TEST Oz skipper Jason Sangha had said India’s middle order had not been tested. Dismissals of Shaw and Gill put a little pressure, but Harvik Desai’s 47 not out at No 4 and his 89-run stand with Kalra ticked that box.
NO FEAR In the past, India would be intimidated by Australia. This time,India had no fear, and like a well-oiled unit they demolished the threetime champions in the league stage and final.
WHAT PRESSURE
In the past, there would be tension around an India-Pak game. This time, India showed no pressure in winning by 203 runs.
SHAW THE LEADER
His field placements were proactive, bowling changes spot on. With an average of 65 at the top, the captain’s all-round show defined his leadership qualities.