Victorious U-19 cricketers arrive to a rousing welcome

Mumbai: The victorious Indian Under-19 cricket team arrived to a rousing reception here this afternoon from Australia after winning the age-group World Cup in Townsville on Sunday. Triumphant team skipper Unmukt Chand, who slammed a match-winning unbeaten century in the summit clash against Australia, was the first to come out of the Shivaji Chhatrapati International airport terminal, holding aloft the trophy. Beside hordes of supporters, spinner Harmeet Singh’s relatives and friends were present in big numbers at the airport to greet the team. [caption id=“attachment_433764” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  The winners returned home to a rousing reception. Ashish Magotra/Firstpost[/caption] The team will be felicitated by the Cricket Board at a function later this evening. India defeated hosts Australia by six wickets to lift the trophy for the third time, following triumphs in 2000 and 2008 under Mohammad Kaif and Virat Kohli respectively. “I am very happy. We played well in Australia and won it. It’s a proud feeling,” said Chand on the team’s arrival at the airport. Former Australia captain and TV expert Ian Chappell has praised Chand’s qualities as a batsman by advising the Indian selectors to fast track his entry to the seniors rank, but the Delhi youngster is willing to take one step at a time. “(Berth in the) senior team is a long way away. Now there is an India A team (tour to New Zealand) where I have to perform. If I perform well, then let’s see,” said Chand. Chand, who has followed the footsteps of Mohd Kaif and Virat Kohli to lead the country to the under-19 World Cup title, is in the India A squad to be led by Abhinav Mukund, which is to tour New Zealand. The young batsman was happy with the reception the team received at the airport. “The reception is quite good. We did not expect it but it felt really special.” PTI