Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was addressing an election rally in Bengaluru, Rahul Dravid’s home-town, on Sunday recognised the former cricketer’s role in India’s Under-19 World Cup title victory.
Hailing Dravid’s role as the head coach of the team, the Prime Minister said the former inspired honesty and unselfishness.
“Our Under-19 cricket team won the World Cup yesterday. Their head coach Rahul Dravid was a significant factor behind this victory. He teaches us to work honestly and live for others,” Prime Minister Modi said.
The colts, on Saturday, crushed Australia by eight wickets to lift their overall fourth ICC Under-19 World Cup, at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.
Dravid’s reference in the rally came when Prime Minister Modi was attacking the Congress government in Karnataka over corruption. Both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have kick-started their election rallies in the state, which is heading for legislative assembly elections in April-May this year.
Country hails rising stars
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the Indian team, who crushed Australia by eight wickets to lift their overall fourth ICC Under-19 World Cup.
“Congrats to India’s talented young cricket team for winning the Under-19 World Cup. Calmness and composure of our boys embellishes their skills. Proud of captain Prithvi Shaw and his mates, as well as of coach Rahul Dravid and the hard-working support staff,” President Kovind wrote on Twitter.
Prime Minister Modi, on the other hand, said he was absolutely thrilled by the stupendous achievement of the Under-19 team. “Absolutely thrilled by the stupendous achievement of our young cricketers. Congratulations to them on winning the Under-19 World Cup. This triumph makes every Indian extremely proud,” PM Modi tweeted.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sport, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (Retired) also wished the team, which was coached by former India captain Rahul Dravid.
“Congratulations to each and every team member of the Indian Under-19 cricket team, including their captain and their coach’Rahul Dravid. I am sure, they have worked very hard which can be reflected in the way that they have won this championship,” said Rathore.
He also complimented the Board of Cricket for Control in India for being able to generate revenue and using the same for the betterment of the sport at the grassroots level. “I think this is an example that other federation should follow,” the minister said.
Indian opening batsman Manjot Kalra grabbed the eyeballs with his unbeaten 101-run knock as the Men in Blue chased down the target of 217 in just 38.5 overs in the finals of the ICC Under-19 World Cup. It was an all-around performance from the Men in Blue as the spinners sent shivers through the Australian batsmen’s spines with their magical spell, followed by a magnificent show with the bat.
Kamlesh Nagarkoti was the pick of the bowlers for India with three wickets while Ishan Porel and Shivam Mavi bagged two wickets each. Manjot Kalra was adjudged as ‘Man of the Match’ while Shubman Gill was awarded ‘Player of the Tournament’.
Also read:India thump Australia by eight wickets to win Under 19 Cricket World Cup
