Tendulkar`s tips proved helpful, says Chand

Bangalore: India`s triumphant under-19 World Cup captain Unmukt Chand today said his team`s interaction with senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar helped the side to regain the coveted title Down Under.

"Tips given by Sachin was very helpful for us. He had played far too many matches in Australia and gave tips on the kind of pitches you would get during the World Cup. He also shared his experiences of combating pressure. So it was very helpful for us,". Chand had hit an unbeaten 111 in the final against Australia to help India clinch the under-19 World Cup title which the country had won earlier in 2000 and 2008. Chand said Sehwag also has been instrumental in boosting his confidence and the Delhi dasher has been giving useful batting tips which helped him improve his batting. "I have played lot of matches alongside Sehwag for Delhi. He gives me a lot of useful batting tips. It builds my confidence," he said. Chand also confessed that maintaining a diary has helped him to become a thinking captain. "I get to learn from my diary where I jot things good and bad which I cannot forget. I then try not to repeat bad things. Maintaining a diary helps," he said. Chand also said his habit of reading books has come handy in improving his leadership qualities and concentration on the game. "I have passion for reading books and I had been doing it since my childhood. You get to know many things and happen to come across many views of the people. This helps building leadership qualities," he said. Chand, who is also studying, said he was able to take some time for cricket and studies. "If there is time I play cricket, if it isn`t I study. Hence I am able to balance cricket and studies well," he said. Meanwhile, former Test player Rahul Dravid said winning U-19 World Cup is a great feeling and a memory that would stay with the young cricketers for a lifetime whether they play in future or not. Dravid said they should maintain the tempo and keep performing at first class level to get recognition. "I think they all know this. Certainly there is still a long way to go for these youngsters," Dravid said. PTI