IndiaPost.com - Selecting youngsters paid dividends, says Pawar

NEW DELHI: Indian Cricket Board's policy to blood youngsters has paid dividends with the team winning a historic tri-series in Australia for the first time, according to BCCI President Sharad Pawar. Speaking at the felicitation function for the victorious team, Pawar said Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his boys did a miracle to beat world champions Australia in their own den and win the tri-series title.

"Beating Australia in their own land and winning the trophy is a great achievement. Under Dhoni's leadership the team has done a miracle and I congratulate all the team members for this," Pawar said at the Ferozeshah Kotla here.

"The BCCI's decision to give a chance to the young players proved to be a good one. The strength of our team has increased because of this," he said. Pawar, however, advised the assembled fans not to ill-treat the cricketers if they lose any series.

"This is a game. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. When they win, you greet them with enthusiasm. But, when they lose you should back them instead of running down them," he said. Appreciating the contribution of his team members in the win, Dhoni said the players conducted themselves well during the tough tour.

"I thank all the fans for their support, which is a big motivation for us. I would also thank my team members without which it (winning the title) would not have been possible. They conducted themselves well both on and off the field. "I hope we will continue to entertain you like this," he said Dhoni took the opportunity to congratulate the Under-19 cricketers who recently won the World Cup in Malaysia.

"I would like to congratulate the under-19 team for their achievement. They should enjoy their success," he said. Over 25,000 fans had gathered at the Ferozeshah Kotla for the reception of the players, who arrived from Melbourne.

After landing at Delhi, the team was taken to a city hotel before they came to Kotla for the felicitation which lasted for about 40 minutes. The players were given cheques of Rs 58 lakh each for the historic achievement and Delhi Lt Governor Tejinder Khanna presented Dhoni a memento.

Amid thunderous cheers, the team posed for a group photograph at the end of the program.