Congratulations to Unmukt Chand & Co., winning a world cup in Australia is a special achievement: Sourav Ganguly

Former captain Sourav Ganguly said winning the Under-19 cricket World Cup was special as the victory came on Australian soil. Complimenting the Indian team Ganguly said "It's a fabulous achievement. I saw the game on TV. Winning a world cup in Australia is a special achievement. So, on that point of view, congratulations to the Under-19 boys. Unmukt Chand and his team, they played fabulously," he said.

According to a report in The Times Of India, Ganguly lauded skipper Unmukt Chand for his brave-heart innings, which scripted the win. "They were 105 for four, chasing 227 in a world cup final and the captain came and got a 100. So, it is a fabulous achievement," he told reporters at a commercial event here tonight.

Ganguly expressed confidence that the pool of young players would provide the base for the Indian cricket in the years to come.

Meanwhile a report in TOI says that India's U-19 World Cup win in Australia was no fluke. To the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) credit, a systematic plan was put in place almost two years ago to identify and nurture players for this tournament, says a report in TOI, adding that the preparations began just after the Ashok Menaria-led side lost to Pakistan in the quarterfinal of the 2010 U-19 World Cup in New Zealand, where India finished sixth. The selectors identified the players immediately after and worked on them; they were given the right kind of exposure and the result is there for everyone to see.

"The players have worked very hard for this and they deserve all the success. We at BCCI tried to provide them every facility, guidance and exposure at the right time. Credit to them that they clicked when it mattered the most," BCCI secretary Sanjay Jagdale told TOI.

According to a column by Amrit Mathur in Hindustan Times, those who have seen Unmukt Chand are certain about his extraordinary talent. “Eric Simons, the Delhi Daredevils coach, was so impressed that after one look at the nets, he declared: "This lad is special.",” writes Mathur, adding that one quality that sets him apart is his hunger to learn.

“Unmukt listens carefully and promptly moves to the memory what is worthwhile. This was evident earlier this season during the IPL. At a Daredevils' team dinner, David Warner took Unmukt aside for a chat, a one-on-one between a senior pro and junior player. Warner spoke about batting (respect the ball but show intent, focus on balance and timing, play to your strengths) and what works for him, small things that make a difference. "Stay involved with the team," said Warner, "don't be afraid to make suggestions to the captain, seek feedback from players, even opposition bowlers. hat stood out was not just Warner's gesture of sharing his experience but Unmukt's response. He hung on to every word that was uttered, listened with undivided attention and, at the right moment, asked the right questions to keep the conversation rolling,” adds Amrit Mathur.