The victorious Indian Under-19 team, which won the World Cup in
Colombo on Friday, landed in Chennai on Saturday to a warm welcome
from the officials of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. The
President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India A.C Muthiah,
who is also the TNCA president and the TNCA secretary Ashok Kumbhat
received and felicitated the Indian team. Muthiah garlanded every
member of the team and also coach Roger Binny and manager Prof
Nandakumar.
Not only did the Indian team win the World Cup, the talent was
recognized by the fact that three of the players won important
awards. These were RS Sodhi (Man of the Match in the final), Ravneet
Ricky (best batsman) and Yuveraj Singh (Man of the Series).
Speaking to the media, Binny gave all credit to the lads and said that
they had stood up to all pressures and did a exceptional job when the
odds were against them.
Answering a query as to which player would be his pick in this bunch
of youthful talent, Binny said "individually if I had single out
somebody it would have to be Sodhi. But I am delighted that our young
boys really did well, and I feel there is a tremondous future for
India."
The team captain Md Kaif paid rich tributes to the team coach and
manager. ``I think most of the credit goes to them. I think Binny did
a fantastic job. He was really a motivating factor behind the
team. Actually it was because of him that we have won the World Cup. I
think everybody performed really well and I can't single out anybody
as it was a combined effort."
Answering a question on the dismal performance of the senior team in
Australia, Kaif said "I can't say anything about my seniors. They are
putting in their efforts.''