Kohli recalls successful U-19 Cricket WC days

Dubai : Ahead of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2016 in Bangladesh, Indian all-rounder Virat Kohli has recalled how his participation in the tournament has helped him grow as cricketer.Kohli, who led India to victory in the 2008 edition in Malaysia, was also a member of Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s teams that won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2013.Reflecting views on the tournament, Kohli said the the rain-affected final, in which India defeated South Africa by 12 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method, was a game-changer for his young side.”It was an opportunity for everyone to showcase their talent because the whole world was watching it,” said the star batsman, who scored 235 runs in six matches at an average of 47 with one century.Describing the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup as `competitive`, Kohli said, “A lot of players I played against in 2008 are now playing for their respective nations. You get quality players and you get an opportunity to show the world what you have.”Former South Africa captain Hashim Amla, who played in the 2002 event in New Zealand and scored 191 runs in seven innings, also threw his weight behind the event.