Little did they know that the 17-year-old’s bowling will win Team India the Under-19 World Cup at Kuala Lumpur. Siddharth has modelled his batting on Navjot Singh Sidhu’s style.

The right-arm medium pacer from Chandigarh played an instrumental role in India’s victory by taking two vital wickets against South Africa in the Under-19 World Cup final on Sunday. Siddharth spoke with Newsline from Bangalore where the team was given a rousing welcome.

“I am quite excited to be a part of the Indian Under-19 World Cup winning squad. We are all thrilled with the kind of reception we have got here in Bangalore and we never expected this kind of welcome. But the victory means a lot to each of us as the win comes after eight years,” says Kaul who claimed 10 wickets in the tournament.

Bowling the last over must have required a lot of confidence and determination?

“When my skipper Virat Kohli gave me the ball for the last over with South Africa needing 14 runs to win, I was just thinking about bowling in the right areas. I took it just like a normal over and bowled my best,” says Siddharth. He had made his debut for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy last season. Siddharth had claimed five wickets in his debut.

The Under-19 final on Sunday definitely brought back memories of India’s hero in the Twenty20 World Cup final, Joginder Sharma.

“I still remember watching the Twenty20 World Cup final keenly and I was thinking about it. It feels nice to be remembered for bowling the last over of a World Cup final. Immediately after the match, I called up my dad and brother immediately. They were very excited about the win,” he says.

What about the speculations of Siddharth joining the Mohali team in the Indian Premier League?

“Right now, I am thinking about enjoying these moments with my teammates. Whatever happens will happen for good and I hope I will also be a part of the Punjab ODI squad,” he says.