The Yash Dhull-led India U-19 side defeated England in the final to lift the U-19 World Cup.
In the all-important tournament, the Boys in Blue didn’t lose a single match, winning group encounters against South Africa, Ireland, and Uganda and then the knockout games against Bangladesh, Australia, and England.
Before the summit clash, the Indian team had interacted with batting legend Virat Kohli, who had led the country to the U-19 World Cup title in 2008.
In an exclusive chat with TOI, India U-19 skipper Yash Dhull recalled the interaction with Kohli and said that the latter advised him to remain calm.
"Virat bhaiya told me to remain focussed on the goal and also talked to us about the mindset for the final. He wished me luck and advised me to remain calm and give my hundred percent," Dhull stated.
"The best thing I like about Virat bhaiya that I love to apply to my game is his aggression and his body language. He is always in the thick of things. I also try to do the same," he added.
While the success has made him proud, the 19-year-old Yash Dhull doesn’t want to get carried away and wants to work harder to relish his ultimate dream of playing for the senior Indian team.
"The Under-19 World Cup has just ended. The whole process is a long one. This was just one step and I have to still go a long way. I don't want to get carried away with this success and want to work harder and be determined to achieve my goals. Of course, I also want to play for India (senior team). But I want to wait for those opportunities," the Delhi lad said.
"Whenever I get the chance, I will give it my 100 percent. I also want to play the way Virat bhaiya has played for the country. I want to remain completely focused," he further said.
During the tournament, the Indian team was hit by COVID-19 and Yash Dhull was one of the five players to contract the virus after the first game. As a result, he missed out on India’s league matches against Ireland and Uganda.
While the skipper hit 82 in the tournament opener against South Africa, he featured in the knockout fixtures against Bangladesh, Australia and England and registered scores of 20*, 110 and 17.
(With TOI inputs)