Rahul Dravid hopeful of bright future for Indian colts post U-19 World Cup success

Mumbai: India Under-19 cricket team's head coach Rahul Dravid was a happy man following his team's victory over Australia in the final of the ICC U-19 World Cup.

Speaking on their arrival in India after a successful tournament, Dravid was hopeful that the young colts would be successful in the future.

An optimistic Dravid said, "On a personal note, I feel that the boys are good enough, they should go out and play men's cricket. Especially the boys who are playing first-class cricket as well."

However, he did stress on the fact that there could be some of them who could come back and play in the next World Cup.

"There are a few people who can perhaps come back and play for the U-19 World Cup. While it might be good for the Under-19 team and boost our chances of winning the World Cup, but I am not sure that is the best thing for them and Indian cricket, " he said during a press conference here on Monday.

He also reiterated that his team took each game in the same way, including the semifinal clash against Pakistan, where they won by 203 runs.

"We never treated the Pakistan game differently. We had a plan and preparation ahead if every match. But, I am happy that the boys got a feel of an Indo-Pak contest," he added.

The former India skipper also recalled the 2012 U-19 World Cup final between India and Australia, where Unmukt Chand led from the front to claim their third title.

"The 2012 final featured India and Australia. The result of the final will tell you that India beat Australia. Six years down the line only a couple of these boys have played a few One-dayers for India, while four or five of the Australian boys have gone on to play for Australia.

"More of these guys have played first-class cricket. The debatable point is who won the final six years later?" he commented.