Date:07/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/07/stories/2008030760942400.htm

Sport - Cricket

It’s special: Einstein

CHENNAI: “Winning back the World Cup after eight years was special,” said Napoleon Einstein, a member of the India under-19 squad that regained the Cup at Kuala Lumpur. India had last won the event in 2000 under the captaincy of Mohammad Kaif.

Einstein said that there was a lot of expectation from the team as it had 10 to 12 players who were playing first-class cricket.

“We had a formidable side and were always confident of doing well. We had some hiccups only in the semifinal (against New Zealand),” said Einstein.

He played in only one game — against South Africa in the group encounter, bowling just two overs and did not get a chance to bat. “Though I was dropped for the remaining games, coach Dav Whatmore kept encouraging me during meetings. Thanks to him, I never felt depressed and, in fact, felt great to be part of the squad,” said Einstein.

The Tamil Nadu all-rounder was thrilled that the team was flown back from Malaysia on a chartered flight by Vijay Mallya, chairman of UB Group.

Einstein is certain to cherish this as well as the open bus parade through Bangalore where the team was given a rousing reception.