Bhavnagar:

Family members of Harvik Desai, the 18 year old Gujarati wicket-keeper batsman of the U 19 ICC World Cup winning Indian Team, today said that this victory coupled with consistent performance of their lad has made them very happy and was like a dream-come-true feeling.

Amid the rejoicing at the Sanskar Mandal residence of Harvik in Bhanagar city of Gujarat, his father Manish Desai, a tailor by profession, told newsmen that Harvik had a flare for cricket right from the early childhood. ‘I provided the best possible training I could to him and he performed as per my expectations. I pray to lord to take him to even greater heights.’

Manish and other family members and relatives along with neighbours and other commoners joined the victory celebrations near his residence. Drum beats made the environment hilarious even as sweets were distributed to one and all.

Younger sister of Harvik, Vrunda was looking somewhat choked with emotion. ‘My happiness knows no bound today. My brother has made us all proud. He has made the dreams of my papa come true. I can’t tell you how happy are we. My parents had worked so hard to groom him,’ she said.

Notably, India defeated Australia by 8 wickets in the final played at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand today. It is overall fourth world cup title win for U-19 Indian Team. With the help of unbeaten century (101 from 102 balls) by opener Manjot Kalra and a not out knock of 47 by Harvik, India reached the victory target of 217 with more than 11 overs and eight wickets to spare. CM Vijay Rupani has also congratulated the team and Harvik.

Hardik during the World Cup had performed consistently, both in front of the wicket and behind it. He comes from a mediocre background.

DeshGujarat