Dubai: The Indian Under-19 team have more than one reason to prove their worth in the Under-19 World Cup, beginning in Chittagong, Bangladesh, on Wednesday.
Though India have won the title thrice, historically these junior stars have not graduated enough to senior level, except the odd Mohammad Kaif, Yuvraj Singh or Virat Kohli.
It is important that India win the World Cup and unearth new heroes to entice the youth of the country to take up cricket, which is losing its foothold in India and its popularity is waning. Except Sanju Samson, none of the last Indian Under-19 team made it to the national team. Even Unmukt Chand, under whom India won the trophy last in 2012, who has not come anywhere close to playing in the international arena.
In comparison, for most of the other top cricketing nations, Under-19 is used as the breeding ground to spot talents like Steve Smith, Hashim Amla, Kane Williamson and Joe Root.
But with Rahul Dravid at the helm and given the task of overseeing and nurturing the talent pool, one might think there is a change in the trend, especially at a time when the Indian coach was quoted in the media saying: “We are not doing enough to attract youngsters and thus losing out on talent. Cricket is not the number one sport for youngsters anymore. A top sports equipment company told me that sales of cricket equipment have gone down. I think we need to have a blueprint for junior cricket in India.”
In this backdrop, a talented bunch of youngsters, led by Ishan Kishan, are aiming to regain the Under-19 trophy under conditions that are favourable — the pulling out of three-time champions Australia due to security reasons have enhanced their chances. But threat lurks in the form of New Zealand in Group D, while Pakistan anddefending champions South Africa have all got the potential to upset India’s plans.
The dark horse, however, could be hosts Bangladesh, who enter the tournament on the back of four series victories against South Africa at home (5-1) and away (5-2) before winning against Zimbabwe (4-0) and Sri Lanka (3-2).
However, captain Kishan is enjoying the pressure and has done his homework right. Hailing from Ranchi, the hometown of Indian limited-overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Kishan has learnt the nuances of the game from Dhoni.
“Whenever a wicket falls, he used to call me and told me what he did right then. If a bowler is bowling with good pace, what field he can set in the slog overs. So it was about what I can do in pressure situations in the World Cup. It was quite valuable for me,” Kishan was quoted oncricinfo.com.
But a team filled with all-rounders and depth in batting, inspirational Dravid in the dressing room, and with a bit of luck, Kishan will be holding the trophy on February 14.
And wishing the players luck is none other than Kapil Dev, one of the greatest all-rounders of the game.
“Good luck to all the boys participating in the tournament. They can write their own destiny,” Kapil, who led India to their first World Cup triumph in 1983, stated in a ICC press release.
Many Test and one-day teams are going through a transition phase and the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup will enable them to take a look at their young players. We have seen so many young boys become men after this tournament.
— With inputs from agencies
