India U-19 cricket team gets heroes’ welcome

Mumbai The triumphant U-19 Indian cricket team arrived home to a euphoric reception on Tuesday afternoon.

As Delhi boy and skipper Unmukt Chand, who hit a match-winning unbeaten century in the final against Australia, came out of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport terminal, holding the trophy, celebrations broke out.

Local Harmeet Singh’s relatives and friends also turned up in large numbers and carried a huge cut-out of the spinner.

“I am very happy. We played well in Australia and won it. It’s a proud feeling,” Chand told reporters at the airport.

Asked if a national call is near, Chand said: “[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.”

Chand is the third U-19 captain after Mohammad Kaif and Virat Kohli to lead the country to the under-19 World Cup title.

Chand has been included in the Abhinav Mukund-led India A squad that will tour New Zealand.