India wrote their name on the trophy for the fourth time – becoming the first team to do so – in U-19 World Cup history. After bundling out Australia for a modest total of 216, the game was well in control of Prithvi Shaw’s side, who cantered home with eight wickets and 11.1 overs to spare.
It was not the usual suspects who stood up for India with the bat. While Shaw and the tournament’s second highest run-getter Shubman Gill got off to fluent starts, it was the hard-hitting Manjot Kalra who shone with the bat, cutting and sweeping with utmost disdain. The southpaw finished with a majestic 101 off 102 balls.
The pace department once again stepped up. Kamlesh Nagarkoti’s final spell was instrumental in India stifling the Aussies at the death. Ishan Porel made early inroads, and in the middle overs, spinners Shiva Singh and Anukul Roy tied down the opposition batsmen. Singh and Roy also picked up two wickets each.
Many from the current crop of Indian players have earned lucrative Indian Premier League contracts. The U-19 World Cup has also been a springboard to future success, and a catalyst for a ticket to the senior team. Just ask Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja or Virat Kohli, to name just a few.
Here’s what how the world of Twitter celebrated India’s win. Mind you, coach Rahul Dravid was certainly a central theme:
When you stand on a wall you tower above them all! Thank you #RahulDravid #ICCU19CWC #Champions #U19CWCFinal
— Gautam Bhimani (@gbhimani) February 3, 2018
WITH GREAT TEAM WORK, BIG DREAMS WORK. Congratulations to our WORLD CHAMPIONS!! We are proud of you. A big congratulations to Rahul and Paras for their guidance. #ICCU19CWC #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/w0heorY8g6
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 3, 2018
What a win for the U19 boys, take it as a stepping stone; Long long way to go! Enjoy the moment! 😊👏 @BCCI #U19CWC pic.twitter.com/D8mGdakxZu
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) February 3, 2018
Kalra came for a lot of praise for his entertaining century...
Is it just me or Manjot Kalra has too much in common with Yuvraj Singh? That straight punch, the stance, jeez even the running. #futurestars #U19WCFinal #IndvAus
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) February 3, 2018
Very mature batting by #ManjotKalra, has been responding calmly to the occassion which can bog down even the seasoned players. Particularly impressed with how he has paced his innings so far! #U19WCFinal #INDvAUS
— Megha Sinha (@MaidenGlance) February 3, 2018
The Indian bowlers did a fine job in restricting the Australians to 216.
Fantastic comeback by India. Bowlers have really pulled things back after it looked like Australia will get 260+. Last 4 wickets falling for just 4 runs. Now upto the batsman to play without nerves and make 3rd Feb into a historic day for all of us . #INDvAUS
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) February 3, 2018
Brilliant performance by the bowlers in restricting Australia to 216. Excellent effort in the last 10 overs. Ab agle 3 ghante , hamaare ladkon ki zindagi ke sabse maharvpurna 3 ghante hain. Wishing my best for the chase #INDvAUS
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 3, 2018
Dravid’s crowning moment and more...
Well done Prithvi Shaw & Co. you guys are the champions. Legend Rahul Dravid, the coach deserves a lot of credit for the way this team has played. #U19WorldCup
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) February 3, 2018
Nagarkotti has bowled only 6 balls and has already looked the best Indian pacer on show. This lad has a bright future. Nurture him. #INDvAUS #U19CWC
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 3, 2018
What impresses the most about this team is the temperament they have shown. They maybe be Under 19 but they have played with such composure. All credits to #RahulDravid @rajasthanroyals #U19CWC #U19CWCFinal #INDvAUS @BCCI
— just somebody.. ♫♫ (@nadal28194) February 3, 2018
In 2003 WC India lost only two games by Australia.... Australia won the WC
— 🕉 Typical Girl ♡ 🇮🇳 (@TheQueen_Ak) February 3, 2018
In 2018 U19 WC Australia lost only two games by India.... India lifts the Cup#INDvAUS
They are just under 19 and dominating world cricket.
— SJ 🇮🇳 (@RealSheetal) February 3, 2018
here I am some 25+ year old and struggling to link my Aadhar to my bank account #INDvAUS #U19WorldCup #U19CWC #U19CWCFinal
This man possibly deserves the biggest credit. Always genuine, always honest, quintessential team man. I could listen to him all day. Congrats #RahulDravid #ICCU19WorldCup CHAMPIONS!! 🏆🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/un74XhTgok
— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) February 3, 2018
One of the strongest U-19 teams we have ever seen. Outplaying every opponent they faced . They came, they saw, they conquered 🏆👌. Special mentions to #RahulDravid Sir for inspiring this solid bunch of youngsters 🙌 #Champions #U19WorldCupFinal #FutureStars
— Karun Nair (@karun126) February 3, 2018
Great work by the U-19 team to remain undefeated in the World Cup. Truly deserving winners. Your work has just begun, enjoy this moment!
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) February 3, 2018
A special shoutout to #RahulDravid who has continuously worked hard behind the scenes to help this team achieve its true potential. #ICCU19CWC
Outnumbering their age with their scores! A team trained by ‘The Wall’ had to stand tall! What a glorious win #TeamUnder19 ! Kudos #RahulDravid So So Sooooo Proudly Indian #U19CWC pic.twitter.com/H6KSFnFkws
— Suniel Shetty (@SunielVShetty) February 3, 2018
Rahul Dravid continues to contribute to Indian cricket, long after his retirement .
— Nikhil Chinapa (@nikhilchinapa) February 3, 2018
Statistics, records and awards apart, he is our country’s greatest champion of the game.
Congratulation to the team and Rahul, they deserved this win! #Under19WC
* At a Bank *
— Sunil- The Cricketer (@1sInto2s) February 3, 2018
Bank Manager: Sir, credit card?
Rahul Dravid: Sorry, main credit nahi leta https://t.co/V9mbNDMJuP
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. #INDvAUS
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 3, 2018
India are Under-19 World Cup winners. An unbeaten century from young Manjot Kalra. India didn’t lose a game all tournament. The Dravid imprint unmissable. Well done, boys. #INDvAUS #U19CWCFinal pic.twitter.com/iZm1xrremG
— Jamie Alter (@jamie_alterTOI) February 3, 2018
India under 19 WC champs!!congrats! each and every one of you has done is proud! Rahul Dravid: total legend, a mentor for a 'new' Indian cricket universe! Number one senior team, number one junior side! 👍👍#RahulDravid #U19WorldCup
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) February 3, 2018
Watched the finals of the #U19CWC . India dominated just like they have dominated the entire tournament. Congratulations to all the boys and their coach, one of the all time greats, #RahulDravid. The future of Indian cricket looks excellent.
— Rahul Bose (@RahulBose1) February 3, 2018
And like he was throughout his career.. #RahulDravid quietly walks behind the shadow of his victorious boys. He might not have an individual WC medal, but this one as a coach is no less.. #LEGENDFOREVER #U19WC
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) February 3, 2018
#RahulDravid cracks me up. Speaks during post match interview about how embarrassed he is sometimes as coach of India U-19 because too much attention is put on him because of his stature rather than the players and support staff. Class act 🙏. World cricket needs more of him.
— SaiSriMourya (@SaiSriMourya) February 3, 2018
There was room for some tongue-in-cheek humour too in the midst of all this..
Ravi Shastri has uploaded his resume on job portals...#CWCU19 #RahulDravid
— Teddy (@dimwittedjoker) February 3, 2018