Rahul Dravid’s short video a motivational tonic for India colts in U19 World Cup

Rahul Dravid’s role in the India U19s has been immense. Under his tutelage, India became the losing finalists of the 2016 World Cup and then in 2018, the Boys in Blue beat Australia in the final to become champions. Shaw, the skipper in 2018, is donning the India colours in New Zealand. But this time around, Dravid isn’t there with the team with Paras Mhambrey coaching the colts.

Despite his absence from the U19 setup, The Wall of Indian cricket has found a way to reach out to the boys. He shared a video and instilled confidence in the youngsters. Yashasvi Jaiswal, their opener, is grateful towards the great man for his inspiring words. The southpaw also credited Mhambrey for holding the team together ahead of their semi-final clash against Pakistan.

Dravid’s words of wisdom

“Paras Mhambrey sir ensured that everyone took this as any other game. We watched a short video from Rahul (Dravid) sir who motivated us and his words helped us a lot. He said, ‘remember that cricket is played in those 22 yards. Just take it like any other game and keep our focus,” Jaiswal was quoted as saying to the Indian Express.

It was another resounding show for India U19s, who defeated their arch-rivals by 10 wickets at the Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. After being asked to chase a modest 173, India didn’t have to drop much sweat. Their openers, Jaiswal and Divyansh Saxena, tracked the target down in 35.2 overs. Pakistan tried hard with six bowlers, but to no avail.

Jaiswal himself was in the form of his life. Following a relatively slow start, the left-hander from Mumbai upped the ante. He ended the match with the six which also helped him get to his century off 113 deliveries. His knock was laced with eight scorching fours and four hits into the stands.

His partner, Saxena, stayed unbeaten on 59 off 99 and played the sheet anchor’s role in the chase. India now await the winners of the second semi-final between Bangladesh and New Zealand on February 6 in Potchefstroom itself. The final is on Sunday, February 9 in Potchefstroom.