BCCI announce cash prizes for Under-19 stars and Rahul Dravid

The Indian side were confident heading into the U-19 World Cup, as the Rahul Dravid coached team were one of the favourites to lift the world title.

But no body could have expected the sort of domination that the Indian side showed in New Zealand, as the Prithvi Shaw led side bulldozed all comers.

India thrashed all comers, and remained undefeated through out the competition to lift their fourth U-19 World Cup. The likes of Shaw, Gill and Nagarkoti really broke through, and made a name for themselves on the world stage, the Indian Colts won the hearts of the cricketing world over the last couple of weeks.

Special praise must be reserved for Rahul Dravid, as the beloved cricket legend was the architect behind this team’s stupendous success. Dravid took over the reigns of the U-19 side with the sole intention to taking this team to the very top.

This is what Dravid had to say after the final,

“I am really proud of the boys, proud of the effort that they have put in and proud of the support staff as well. (Smiles and pauses as the Indian team celebrates right behind him to be on camera). I think the effort we have put in over the last 14 months have been sensational.”

“They really deserved this, couldn’t be really happier and proud for this bunch of boys. It’s really nice for them and hopefully it’s a memory they’ll cherish for a long time, and hopefully it’s not a memory that defines them and they will have a lot more bigger and better memories as they go on ahead in their careers. ”

“Coaching this team I tend to get a lot of attention, but it is really about the quality of support staff that we have had, there have been seven, eight of us who have been together for the last 14 months, the effort they put in was incredible. I am proud to be a part of their (support staff) team and see it as that.”

“We try and do what’s best for the kids and hopefully they can put in the performances on the field and they have certainly done that in this tournament.”

BCCI were also quick to recognize their efforts, as they announced a cash prize of INR 30 lakhs to each member of the side and INR 20 lakhs to each member of the support staff.

The biggest reward though was saved for Rahul Dravid, as BCCI handed him a cheque of worth INR 50 lakhs for his outstanding contribution.

Well done India!