Yash Dhull, who led India to their record fifth U-19 World Cup title on Saturday, is aware that his life could now change drastically. However, the Delhi youngster is also careful so that the adulation doesn’t disturb his focus on the game.
“I want to play cricket only. The focus will be only on the game, while the rest of the things will take care of themselves.
“I will take it match-by-match. Let's see what happens,” Dhull said about his future plans after India beat England by four wickets in the final at North Sound, Antigua.
After Ravi Kumar and Raj Bawa helped bundle England out for a paltry 189, Nishant Sindhu’s unbeaten half-century took India home as they overcame a mid-innings hiccup and went past the opponents’ total with more than two overs to spare.
The BCCI too acknowledged the brilliant efforts of these youngsters. The players would be rewarded with Rs 40 lakh each while each member of the support staff will be getting Rs 25 lakh.
Talking about the success, Dhull credited team effort and said it was a proud moment for him and his teammates. “It’s a big moment. It’s all due to team effort, as backing the players is a sign of a good team.
“We kept moving ahead with a positive mindset. Besides, our quicks have been doing well for us since the Asia Cup. Ravi gave us a good start and Raj Bawa was exceptional,” Dhull stated.
Heaping praise on medium pacer Bawa, who ran through the English middle-order and took a five-for, Dhull added: “Raj Bawa had an important role to play as an all-rounder.
“His mindset is really good and he has full confidence in his game. He takes the batter by surprise with his bouncers. He bowls them really quick.”
The 19-year-old also complemented Shaik Rasheed, who was his deputy in the World Cup, saying they share a great bond on and off the field. “Rasheed is my best friend. We have dinners together as well.
“On the field, he used to keep giving me suggestions and it helped me to have a free mind. It also gave me confidence that I am making the right decisions.
“When we were batting together in the final, we wanted to take it deep and then finish it with five-seven overs remaining,” Dhull, who finished the tournament with 229 runs at an average of 76.33, said.
The Indian team also deserves accolades for not losing composure despite multiple Covid-19 cases in the squad following their tournament opener versus South Africa U-19. Dhull and Rasheed too were among the players infected.
“There’s the bio-bubble in the first place, and then some of the players were down with Covid-19. So that was really a difficult phase.
“But they showed enough maturity to handle the situation and stayed calm and positive, which eventually benefited them,” head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar said.
