They are not afraid to slide, dive and have a go at the stumps. The India U19 team that has sailed into the ICC U19 World Cup final have not just impressed with their batting and bowling prowess, but have also been sharp in the field. A lot of work has gone into making this group a formidable unit. Abhay Sharma, India U19 fielding coach is proud of the way the boys have responded in the field. In this exclusive interview to BCCI.TV, he shares his views on the promising youngsters and working with head coach Rahul Dravid and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey. In almost every game, India have been effecting run-outs. As a fielding coach, you must be delighted with the result? It is very satisfying. A big effort had gone into preparations for the ICC U19 World Cup. The way the boys have performed in the field during pressure situations is very satisfying. They are cutting down angles, trying to execute run-outs and putting pressure on the opposition. Ishan Kishan is a wicketkeeper but also an excellent fielder. Was that the reason to ask Rishabh Pant to keep wickets? Ishan Kishan was named captain and Rishabh Pant was named vice-captain of the side, which meant both were certainties in the playing XI. We felt that it would be too much on Ishan's plate if he has to keep wickets, lead the team and also open the innings as he is still young. We decided to go with Rishabh as wicketkeeper to help release some pressure off Ishan. How good is this Indian team in terms of fielding compared to other teams in the tournament? I will not hesitate to say that we are the best fielding unit in the ICC U-19 World Cup. The way we are taking catches and executing run-outs is brilliant. It is being appreciated by everybody.

Since the boys are young what is the major challenge when it comes to training? Do you have to focus more on the technique? During preparation camps for the World Cup, we worked hard on the skills like diving, sliding, cutting angles, direct hits and how to generate power behind your throws. We worked specifically on those aspects and I am happy and proud with the way the boys have delivered. We have seen that the Indian dugout does not panic even when the team is in trouble after losing quick wickets. Is the immense self-belief a strong point of this group? The environment in the dressing room is fantastic. We don't panic at all. It is a very relaxed dressing room and that is a result of the work that's been put into the last four-five months. It is really nice that youngsters know their roles and are able to absorb pressure. Whenever there is a pressure situation, we create a calm atmosphere in the dressing room, and the credit for that goes to Rahul Dravid. How is it working with Rahul Dravid and Paras Mhambrey? Rahul Dravid is a genius and Paras is a fantastic team-man. We are working well as a unit. Everything is being taken care of by Rahul. I am happy that he has given me a free hand when it comes to fielding. That confidence he has shown in me, I am trying to execute that during my fielding sessions with the boys. Are you happy that fielding is now getting impetus and is being considered a vital aspect of the game just like bowling and batting? Modern day cricket demands a big effort in the field. If you are a good fielding side, you can generate a lot of pressure. The way new skills are coming up, I can assure you that in coming years, India are going to be one of the top fielding sides in the world.