Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and a host of past and present Indian cricketers have wished good luck to the Yash Dhull-led India Under-19 team which will be taking on England in the final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, later today.
"Best wishes to our U-19 boys for the World Cup final," tweeted Kohli on Saturday who had himself led the country's Under-19 team to a World Cup triumph back in 2008.
The skipper of the men's team had earlier offered some words of support to the players, interacting with them virtually after their semifinal victory against Australia.
Best wishes to our U-19 boys for the World Cup final. 🇮🇳💪
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) February 5, 2022
"You have the force of more than a Billion supporting you… Do well and give it your best," tweeted Tendulkar along with his video message for the youngsters.
You have the force of more than a Billion supporting you…
Do well and give it your best #TeamIndia! 🇮🇳#U19CWC #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/eHUCZDOAY7
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 5, 2022
"You have played some amazing cricket in spite of so many challenges. I know there were a few players who had tested positive for Covid-19 and couldn't participate in the playing XI but remember, champions don't have the best of everything, they make the best if everything the have. Wasn't this the moment you have been waiting for. This is the time to go out and be yourself and express yourself," said the former great.
"I remember the 2011 World Cup, which we were playing in India, during one of our discussions in the camp, on how to deal with expectations and pressure and the solution there was one billion people are with us and not sitting on top of our head. Because the direction of the force and pressure is important. If it is moving forward, it will propel you forward towards the target. If it presses you down then you will sink slowly. I want to wish you all the best, you out and give your best," he added.
Current India Test opener Shubman Gill also took to Twitter to send his message to the Under-19 team.
"There is no bigger honour than representing your nation and playing an U-19 World Cup final is special. The whole nation is backing you boys and best wishes for the final," he tweeted.
India is eyeing a record fifth title in their fourth successive final, while England have enjoyed their best ICC U19 Men’s CWC in 24 years since their one victory.
"It will be a good challenge against England. They play attacking cricket and look to dominate the opposition. Our approach against them will be to bowl as many dot balls as possible," said skipper Yash Dhull ahead of the big game.
"The team morale is high. We are excited to play the final. It's the final but it is still just a game. So, we will play with the positive mindset, stick to the basics and we will look to execute our plans.
"He (Virat Kohli) gave us his best wishes as the team is doing well. So, his words will give us confidence. When a senior player speaks with the team, the team morale gets a boost. He spoke to us about some basic things such as how to play normal cricket, how to stick to our game plan etc. It was good to interact with him," he mentioned on Friday.
Also Read: Upbeat India receive pep talk from Virat Kohli before today's U-19 World Cup final vs England
