The Under-19 Indian team performed outstandingly well in the recently concluded U-19 World Cup 2022 in West Indies. The ‘Boys in Blue’ remained unbeaten in the tournament and defeated England in the final contest to grab the coveted trophy. Overall, it was India’s fifth U-19 World Cup title – the most by any team in the world.
The COVID-19 did hit the young side, but the boys didn’t lose hope, and from batters to bowlers, India displayed top-class cricket. There is no doubt that after such a tremendous performance, the selectors would be keeping an eye on these players, who have all the potential to become future superstars.
Speaking about one such cricketer from the group, former India chief selector MSK Prasad has predicted the next No. 3 in the senior men’s side. Prasad has named u-19 vice-captain Shaik Rasheed with the bright future, stating that the right-handed batter reminds him of legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid.
“He can be our future No. 3 in a red ball and white-ball cricket,” said Prasad as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Prasad heaped praises on Rasheed’s extraordinary quality of technique and temperament and lauded the Andhra Pradesh batter for showing maturity in pressure situations. Notably, Prasad has played a vital role in developing the young batter when he was CEO of Andhra Cricket Association (ACA).
“He likes to score in front of the wicket and bats late, giving himself sufficient time to play the ball. Those are very good qualities. What was most impressive was his temperament. He never looked rattled when India were under pressure,” added Prasad.
Rasheed only played four games in the competition, scoring 201 at an impressive average of 50.25, which included crucial knocks of 94 in the semifinal against Australia and 50 in the final against England.
