India coach Venkatesh Prasad called his side's 38-run loss to Pakistan in the ICC [Images] Under-19 World Cup final in Colombo on Sunday their "one bad day in eight months".

He said, despite the defeat, with India bowled out for just 71, he was still proud of the way his team had played throughout the tournament, which saw them lose just one match -- the final.

"We have done lots of hard work, we have been winning and winning becomes a habit, but this was our one bad day in the past eight months," said Prasad.

"That one off day happened to come in a final, but the boys have been simply superb.

"I am really happy with the way they have played, I am proud and I have been amazed at their approach, their commitment and the fact they are such keen learners."

But despite that praise, Prasad admitted India's batting had let them down badly and cost them the chance to win the World Cup for a second time to go with their previous success in 2000.

"Although the ball swung a bit there was no devil in the wicket, but I felt we just wanted to finish the game before the break.

"I thought our batting lacked application and I got the feeling the thought was 'if I do not get these runs then someone else will.' "

"I did say before we started our innings that the game was not over until we passed the 109 runs we needed but in the first session we lost six wickets and it has been a learning curve for the players today.

"They have learnt about how to handle pressure and how to handle the situation when things are on a downward curve."

Despite his disappointment, Prasad was happy to pay tribute to the Pakistan fast bowlers, who almost single-handedly won the game for their side.

"Pakistan played well," he said. "It is not easy to defend 109, but all credit to their bowlers.

"They could even afford to drop a couple of catches but the first three or four overs of our innings (when India slipped to 9-6) decided the game."

With the tournament over, Prasad suggested there is a possibility he could move away from the under-19 set-up.

"As a coach I have set myself higher targets," said the 36 year-old, who played 33 Tests and 161 ODIs for his country.

"I have already spoken to the Board (of Control for Cricket in India) that I would like higher challenges and perhaps it is time to pass the baton to someone else," he added.

Speculation on Prasad's future includes the suggestion he could be recruited as a bowling coach to the senior Indian team.