Uday Saharan & Co. go into title clash as favourites to lift a record sixth U-19 crown
NEW DELHI: The Indian Under-19 cricket team is gearing up to face Australia in the final of the ICC U-19 World Cup, with both teams vying for the coveted trophy.
Also read: India vs Australia live score
Set to take place on Sunday, the clash promises to be a spectacle of skill and determination as these young cricketers aim to etch their names in history.
While memories of the senior team’s defeat against Australia in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 may linger, Indian skipper Uday Saharan asserts that the team is solely focused on the present, refusing to dwell on past disappointments or future uncertainties.
The squad remains determined to seize the moment and emerge victorious against their formidable opponents.
Australia, with a formidable quartet comprising skipper Hugh Weibgen, opener Harry Dixon, and seamers Tom Straker and Callum Vidler, poses a significant challenge to India's aspirations.
However, with a history of triumphs in the U-19 World Cup, including victories in 2012 and 2018, India enter the final as favorites.
The Indian team's consistent success in age-group cricket reflects the country's robust talent pipeline and effective development system. With appearances in nine global finals since 2016, India's young cricketers have consistently showcased their prowess on the international stage.
The U-19 World Cup has served as a launchpad for several cricketing luminaries, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, highlighting the tournament's significance in nurturing future stars.
However, the transition from junior to senior cricket presents its own set of challenges, with many promising talents failing to replicate their early success at the highest level.
Amidst the hype and anticipation surrounding the final, the spotlight falls on standout performers such as Sachin Dhas and Saumy Pandey, who have exhibited the potential to excel in senior cricket.
While Dhas' batting prowess and Pandey's spin bowling have garnered attention, the team's collective effort and resilience have been instrumental in reaching the summit clash.
As the young Indian cricketers brace themselves for the ultimate challenge, their collective determination and skill will be put to the test against Australia.
1/10:From Virat Kohli to Ravindra Jadeja: The U-19 World Cup stars who made it big
<p>Read more on TOI Sports</p>AFP
2/10:SUPERSTARS
<p>Over the years, many players who have done well at the U-19 World Cup have graduated to the senior stage with spectacular success. TOI takes a look…<br /></p>Getty Images
3/10:ONE MORE TIME
<p>India’s under-19 cricketers have once again reached the final of the World Cup. This Sunday in Benoni in South Africa, Uday Saharan and Co. will have the opportunity to lift the title one more time. This is the ninth time India’s junior cricketers have reached the final, a record. <br /></p>Agencies
4/10:VIRAT KOHLI
<p>The biggest contribution the U-19 World Cup has had on Indian cricket is the emergence of Virat Kohli. It was in 2008 that Virat led India to their second U-19 WC title in Malaysia, where his team defeated South Africa in the final. <br /></p>AFP
5/10:YUVRAJ SINGH
<p>In the first indication that he was ready for many match-winning exploits at the senior level, Yuvraj Singh helped India to their maiden U-19 World Cup title in 2000. The southpaw was a vital cog in the Mohammad Kaif-led side that defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final in Colombo. <br /></p>Getty Images
6/10:VIRENDER SEHWAG
<p>One of Indian cricket’s batting greats, Sehwag featured in the 1998 edition of the event in South Africa. More than his batting, Sehwag delivered with his off-spin, snaring seven wickets at a stingy economy-rate of 3.36. India didn’t make the final but Sehwag’s all-round skills got a lot of attention.<br /></p>Agencies
7/10:HARBHAJAN SINGH
<p>Off-spinner Harbhajan also impressed in the 1998 edition, picking up eight wickets at an average of 21.12 and an economy rate of 3.44. Harbhajan had telling contributions in all five Indian victories. Soon after, Harbhajan made his Test debut for India against Australia in Bangalore.<br /></p>AFP
8/10:ROHIT SHARMA
<p>Batting at No. 3, India’s current captain hit three half-centuries in six innings at the 2006 U-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka. He tallied 205 runs at an average of 41. India managed to reach the final but lost to Pakistan by 38 runs. He also shone with his off-spin, picking up four wickets.<br /></p>Getty Images
9/10:'ROCKSTAR' JADEJA
<p>The ‘Rockstar’ allrounder was involved in two U-19 World Cups –in 2006, in which India lost in the final, and the other in 2008, when India won under Kohli’s leadership. <br /></p>Agencies
10/10:CHETESHWAR PUJARA
<p>Very few would believe Cheteshwar Pujara once scored runs at a faster clip than Rohit Sharma. This happened in the 2006 U-19 World Cup when Pujara, opening the batting, notched up 349 runs in six innings at a strikerate of 82.11. <br /></p>AgenciesTeams
India: Uday Saharan (C), Arshin Kulkarni, Adarsh Singh, Rudra Mayur Patel, Sachin Dhas, Priyanshu Moliya, Musheer Khan, Aravelly Avanish Rao (WK), Saumy Kumar Pandey (VC), Murugan Abhishek, Innesh Mahajan (WK), Dhanush Gowda, Aaradhya Shukla, Raj Limbani, Naman Tiwari.
Australia: Hugh Weibgen (C), Lachlan Aitken, Charlie Anderson, Harkirat Bajwa, Mahli Beardman, Tom Campbell, Harry Dixon, Ryan Hicks (wk), Sam Konstas, Rafael MacMillan, Aidan O'Connor, Harjas Singh, Tom Straker, Callum Vidler, Ollie Peake.
Match Starts: 1:30 pm IST.
(With inputs from PTI)
