Yash Dhull has led the Indian Under-19 team to the final leading to an example by scoring a century. India's unbeaten run makes them in this edition of the World Cup as the tournament favourite. India's Under-19 team will now face England in the final and the entire nation is expecting them to make it to win the World Cup and the captain’s father is optimistic about a positive result for team India.
"Definitely, the World Cup will come to India as the team is performing so well then they deserve it. There is no doubt that the other team has also performed well to get there and the aim is only one. The entire nation is expecting them to do well and why not after all they are doing so well." said Yash Dhull's father Vijay Dhull while speaking to ANI.
Not only Yash Dhull's batting but his captaincy is also being appreciated as he is on the verge of emulating the likes of Mohammed Kaif, Virat Kohli, Unmukt Chand and Prithvi Shaw in leading India to the Under-19 World Cup title.
"Yash's cricketing mind is very sharp and he takes things very seriously. He picks up very quickly on what batters will do during such a situation. Which bowler should be put against which batter. He also makes quick changes. Once I asked him what you do then he told me that he keeps an eye on what batter is doing and where he is making a mistake and then accordingly which bowler will be able to bowl him better. His main focus is over there." explained senior Dhull.
India is the most successful country winning in the ICC Under-19 World Cup-winning it a record four times but all of that is not bothering Indian colts one bit.
"As much as I know, he does not take the pressure. He plays game to game and his family is definitely not under any pressure. For us, the biggest achievement is that he was selected for the Under-19 team. The rest of the other things are different. The players who play game to game do not take too much pressure. There are many players in the team who do not take the pressure and play game to game."
India missed out on winning the World Cup in the previous edition in 2020 by a whisker losing in the final to Bangladesh. Therefore, this time the expectation is even higher to make it a record fifth.
"Definitely the entire country is expecting from the entire team and Virat Kohli and others are our national heroes who have achieved so much. So, we all are hopeful and why not, after all, every player is doing well,” he added.
When Yash Dhull reached the triple-figure mark against Australia the entire stadium applauded him and so did the former India cricketing legend VVS Laxman who being an NCA Head has travelled with the team to the Caribbean.
"VVS Laxman is a role model of these players and his presence means that the unwanted pressure on the boys is taken care of. A player's of Laxman's calibre in the dressing room keeps your mind cool and confidence also builds. When he backs any player then imagine how much it will boost the confidence of any player." said Vijay Dhull on VVS Laxman's presence in Antigua.
Captain Yash Dhull's century could not have come at a better time as after the Under-19 World Cup the IPL auctions are going to take place where these players will be up for grabs by the franchises.
"It is good that the IPL auctions are happening at a later date because it is a growing stage of the boys and if they get a better platform at this age then it augurs better for their future. I think it is a good thing. What is more important is the fact that he should get picked. There are ten teams and all of them are good. All the international level cricketers are performing so getting picked up is more important rest where he is picked up, by which side I have no idea."
Yash Dhull, with his 110-run knock became the third India captain to score a century in the Under-19 World Cup joining the list of Virat Kohli in 2008 and Unmukt Chand in 2012.
"He said Virat Kohli is his favourite and it will be great if he plays with him in his franchise and his calmness is like Dhoni. So, if you get to play with big players then you get to learn a lot," said Vijay Dhull said.
The Indian Under-19 team under the inspired leadership of Yash Dhull is all set to face England in the final.
