U-19 World Cup: Here’s what Riyan Parag told his mother over a phone call after India’s victory

The young Indian cricket team won the Under-19 Cricket World Cup for a record fourth time on Saturday in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. The boys brushed aside Australia by eight wickets in the U-19 final thanks to a blistering century by opener Manjot Kalra and disciplined bowling in the first innings.

This is the fourth time the Indian U-19 team have won the World Cup, having previously won in 2000,2008 and 2012 respectively.

Speaking exclusively to Republic TV, Riyan Parag’s parents, Mithoo Barooah and Parag Das, revealed what their son told them over a phone call after India's historic win over Australia in U19 Cricket World Cup final. They also shared interesting anecdotes about their son and revealed how he first got introduced to the world of cricket. 

It is interesting to note that Riyan's parents, Mithoo and Parag, are sports players too. Mithoo Barooah is an international-level swimmer, while Parag Das is Ranji-level cricketer from Assam.

While speaking to Republic TV, Riyan's mother, Barooa, said, "It’s a privileged moment for Riyan and a very happy moment for us. He aims to play for Team India (senior team). And until then there is no rest. He jas just crossed a level. He has to now work double hard to get where he wants to."

Riyan's father, Das, told Republic TV, "It is not just my dream or his dream. It is the entire Assam’s dream, entire Northeast’s dream to see him play for Team India."

Riyan's mother, Barooa, also shared what her son told her immediately after the victory.

"I have a little secret to tell you. He called me up at around 4 this evening just for 15 seconds to tell that he was partying very hard and that I should not be disturbing him till morning tomorrow. That’s what he told me after the victory," said Barooa.

Mithoo Barooa also shared how Riyan got into the world of cricket. 

While speaking to Republic TV, Barooa said, "When he was 16 months, he started emaculating his father’s backfoot punch and frontfoot drive. It was surprising to see him do that with a plastic bat. When he was two, two-and-a-half years old, he started accompanying his father to training sessions in the nets. His father would bowl to him with the rubber ball. When he was growing up, we always used to ask him what do you want to do. He always used to say that mom, I want to play for India, I want to play cricket. Since he was very focused since a very young age, we didn’t think of any other career for him. And we supported him to the best we could."

In Pictures | India Beat Australia To Win U-19 Cricket World Cup

Manjot Kalra was adjudged as 'Man of the Match' while Shubman Gill was awarded 'Player of the Tournament'.

It is to be noted that India have remained unbeaten in the Under-19 World Cup tournament.