India U19 World Cup-winning team in Ahmedabad, watches India vs West Indies 2nd ODI from Narendra Modi Stadium

The India U19 team that won the World Cup in the West Indies earlier this month was in attendance at the Narendra Modi Stadium during the 2nd ODI between India and West Indies in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Dressed in blue blazers and trousers, the Yash Dhull-led side was at the stands watching Rohit Sharma’s men in action in the ODI.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah, treasurer Arun Dhumal were present at the stand with the members of the U19 World Cup squad. NCA chief VVS Laxman, head coach of the team Hrishikesh Kanitkar and the other support staff members also joined them at the world’s largest cricket stadium.

The U19 World Cup team members and the support staff were special invitees of the Gujarat Cricket Association for the 2nd ODI.

The U19 World Cup-winning team is likely to be felicitated in Ahmedabad. The teenagers started from the Caribbean on Sunday evening, taking long connecting flights in Amsterdam and Bangalore before eventually landing in Ahmedabad.

It is not known yet whether the U19 boys will meet the senior team members, considering Rohit Sharma and his men are staying in a strict bio-bubble in Ahmedabad.

Notably, the BCCI had announced a cash reward of Rs 40 lakh for each of the players of the U19 World Cup-winning team and Rs 25 lakh each for the members of the support staff.

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said that the cash reward is a small token of appreciation but their achievement is beyond value. Notably, India remained unbeaten in the tournament, beating Australia in the semi-final before outclassing England in the final on Saturday.

Following their famous win over England on Saturday, the Indian contingent called on the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana. The players were tired but enjoyed clicking pictures with West Indies great Sir Curtly Ambrose, who was present at the function.

Meanwhile, Ganguly also lauded t contribution of head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar and other members of the support staff, the selectors and the NCA chief VVS Laxman for helping the U19 boys in the Caribbean.

“I must also appreciate the efforts put in by the Head Coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar along with his members of the coaching group, support staff and VVS Laxman Head Cricket at the National Cricket Academy for the way they kept the team in good spirits and guided them to victory. We have the best structure in place for our age-group cricketers and some of the best coaches work closely with the boys.

“They had very little cricket in the run-up to the World Cup this time and despite that, India remained unbeaten. This is truly remarkable. The selectors have done an excellent job in picking the right team from a wide pool of cricketers. The boys have a long career ahead of them and I wish them the best,” Ganguly said.

India reiterated their status as the most successful team in the U19 World Cup, winning the title for the 5th time. Yash Dhull follows an illustrious list of captains — Mohammad Kaif (2000), Virat Kohli (2008), Unmukt Chand (2012), Prithvi Shaw (2018) — who have tasted success in the showpiece event in the past.