Warm welcome to victorious colts

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.''