U-19 World Cup: New generation of Indian cricket has arrived, says Kapil Dev

Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev today congratulated the Indian team for winning the Under-19 World Cup.

"A new generation (of cricketers) has arrived which is going to tomorrow play for India. They made us proud. I was watching the match throughout the day. What wonderful cricket they played," Kapil said during the inaugural ceremony of the "Telangana T20 League" crickettournament here. The cricket legend recalled his association with the city and said that he played a lot of cricket here when he was a young cricketer.
"When I was a young boy, I played so much cricket here in Hyderabad and Secunderabad," he said. Former middle order batsman, VVS Laxman, also spoke at the inaugural ceremony of the tournament.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar and senior team captain Virat Kohli were among millions who congratulated the Indian Under-19 team for their World Cup winning effort.
Indian colts hammered Australia by eight wickets in the final to lift the trophy.

"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," tweeted Prime Minister Modi. "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 @Shaw_Prithvi and his mates, as well as of coach Rahul Dravid and the hard- working support staff," read a tweet from the official handle of President Ram Nath Kovind. Former and current India players were also quick to praise the unbeaten effort of the Indian team which thrashed Australia in the final for a record fourth title.

"What a win for the U19 boys, take it as a stepping stone; Long long way to go! Enjoy the moment," wrote India captain Virat Kohli on his twitter page. Tendulkar wished the boys luck for the journey ahead and also lauded the support staff including coach Rahul Dravid. "With great teamwork, big dreams work. Congratulations to our world champions you have made us proud. Excellent job from Rahul and Paras. Thank you for all your contribution and guiding these youngsters," said Tendulkar in a video posted on Twitter.

"To our youngsters - Your beautiful journey has just begun, continue to give your best and enjoy the game above all. Good luck and have a wonderful career," the master blaster added. India coach Ravi Shastri wrote: "Great performance boys. You were ahead by a country mile all the way. Enjoy the moment."

Dravid finally got his hands on a World Cup trophy. Virender Sehwag said Dravid played a huge role in the team's victory. "Every Indian is delighted, all credit to Rahul Dravid for committing himself to these young kids and a legend like him deserves to lay his hands on the WC. Only Fitting," wrote Sehwag. "Many congratulations to India u19 on winning the World Cup ! Great team effort no surprises at all on such a champion side," tweeted Yuvraj Singh.

Wishes also poured in from the other side of the border. "Congratulations India, exceptional U19 team, great coach and mentor in Rahul Dravid. Future stars in the making," wrote former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis said India has certainly discovered a few stars for future. "Congratulations team India for putting up a great show. You guys are the true Champions of the tournament.I can see couple of future Stars in that blue outfit," he tweeted. Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar also joined the chorus. "Congratulations boys in blue for the explicit performance. Unbeaten throughout the World Cup, proud feeling and well done." Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also praised the Indian team specially local boy Manjot Kalra, who hit a hundred in the final. "Heartiest congratulations to India's U-19 Cricket team for winning the World Cup. Delhi boy Manjot Kalra has made all of us proud!," Kejriwal tweeted.