'Pakistan a soft target': Manjrekar questions India's aggressive celebrations

India U-19 cricketer Mohit Ulva has shared his insights into the team's exuberant celebrations after securing a dramatic one-wicket victory against Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup final. The 19-year-old contributed an unbeaten 49 runs off just 26 balls in a nail-biting chase, steering India towards the win. Mohit explained that the celebrations were an organic response to the significance of the India-Pakistan final, which has historically generated intense emotions on both sides.

He emphasized that the players were not aiming to provoke their opponents, but rather to revel in their own achievement. Despite the aggressive nature of the celebrations sparking social media criticism, Mohit affirmed that it was an expression of genuine joy and relief after overcoming a challenging final over. The youngster also recalled the crucial partnership of 57 runs between him and Manal Chauhan, which kept India's hopes alive.

Manal's 47 runs off 32 balls proved vital as India required just 36 runs with one wicket left. Mohit's final three runs, including a boundary, sealed the triumph. The youngster admitted to initially being stunned by the magnitude of the win, stating that he couldn't believe he had achieved the feat. Upon reflection, he appreciated the celebrations as a natural expression of the team's accomplishment and a moment of pride for India and its supporters.