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As the cricketing world braces itself for the pinnacle clash of the U19 World Cup 2024, India, under the astute leadership of Uday Saharan, stands on the cusp of history. On February 11, Sunday, Sahara Park Willowmoore Cricket Stadium in Benoni will be the battleground where India and Australia will lock horns in a highly anticipated final.
This will mark India’s fifth consecutive appearance in the U19 World Cup final and their ninth overall, a testament to the nation’s cricketing prowess at the youth level. Saharan, at the helm, is not only leading a team but shaping the destinies of young talents including himself, and the final against Australia is promises to be a defining moment that could etch his name in the annals of cricketing history.
A Crucial juncture: Uday Saharan’s journey to define India’s U19 World Cup legacy
The upcoming final holds profound significance, not just for the team but for Saharan, who, if victorious, could bask in the glory of unprecedented achievements. The U19 World Cup has been a breeding ground for future cricketing stars, and Saharan’s leadership has been instrumental in India’s journey to the summit clash. However, the ultimate pinnacle lies in the realm of international cricket.
With eight predecessors having led India to U19 World Cup finals, the stakes are high. Some went on to scale the heights of world cricket, while others found themselves lost in the pages of cricketing history. The final against Australia on Sunday is not just a match; it’s a crossroad where Saharan and his team will script their own destiny, and the echoes of this clash will resonate in the cricketing corridors for years to come.
Also READ: Lesser known facts about Uday Sharan – Team India captain in the U19 World Cup 2024
Indian captains’ U19 World Cup final journey: A Mix of triumph and heartbreak
1. Mohammad Kaif (Won – 2000): A pinnacle of U19 leadership
In the 2000 U19 World Cup final, India, under the leadership of Mohammad Kaif, clinched their first-ever title. The team, featuring talents like Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh, faced Sri Lanka. The Lankan side posted 178 in 48.2 overs. In response, India successfully chased down the target, reaching 180/4. Kaif contributed to the victory with a resilient innings, scoring 19 runs off 50 balls. This triumph marked a historic moment in Indian cricket, securing the U19 World Cup for the first time.
- Post World Cup Journey: A pillar of Indian middle order
After leading the U19 team to victory, Kaif had a successful international career. He became a linchpin in India’s middle order, particularly remembered for his heroics in the NatWest Trophy final in 2002, where he played a crucial innings to guide India to victory. Kaif was known for his excellent fielding and contributed significantly to India’s limited-overs successes.
2. Ravikant Shukla (Lost – 2006): Battling adversity
In the final of the 2006 U19 World Cup, India faced a shocking defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Pakistan. The match was played at Premadasa Stadium. Ravikant Shukla led the Indian team, while Sarfaraz Khan captained the Pakistan team. India eventually bowled out Pakistan for 109. However, in a shocking display of batting, the Indian team could only manage to score 71 runs, with Ravikant himself contributing only 1 run. This unexpected outcome resulted in Pakistan emerging victorious in the final.
- Post World Cup Journey: Fails to have an international career
Ravikant didn’t have an extensive international career post the U19 World Cup. His cricketing journey didn’t propel him into the senior national team, but his stint at the U19 level showcased his potential as an all-rounder.
3. Virat Kohli (Won – 2008): The emergence of a leader
Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli in Malaysia, India faced South Africa in the 2008 U19 World Cup final. Kohli’s leadership and batting prowess were on display as he played a brilliant 19-ball 34 in the final, contributing to India’s total of 159. The bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja, played a crucial role in restricting South Africa to 103. India secured a 12-run victory courtesy of DLS, marking a significant milestone in Kohli’s early cricketing journey and establishing him as a leader.
- Post World Cup Journey: The rise of a modern great
Kohli, after leading the U19 team to victory, emerged as one of the modern-day batting greats. He made his international debut in 2008 and quickly established himself as a premier batter. Kohli became the captain of the Indian cricket team across formats, leading them to numerous victories, including historic series wins overseas.
4. Unmukt Chand (Won – 2012): Leading from front
In the 2012 U19 World Cup final against Australia in Australia, Unmukt Chand led India to a memorable victory. Facing a challenging target of 226, Chand’s decisive unbeaten innings of 111 played a pivotal role in India’s successful chase. Chand showcased exceptional leadership skills, guiding the team to victory in a historic final, and his innings became the stuff of legends in U19 cricket.
- Post World Cup Journey: Trials and transition to USA cricket
Unmukt, despite his success as captain in the U19 World Cup, faced challenges in translating that success into a sustained international career. Following the U19 triumph, he struggled to replicate the same level of performance in domestic cricket. Unfortunately, his career didn’t take the anticipated trajectory, and he found himself gradually fading from the spotlight. Unmukt’s cricketing journey took an unexpected turn, and he eventually transitioned to represent USA Cricket. His decision to play for the United States marked a significant shift in his international career and will play in the T20 World Cup 2024, potentially facing India.
5. Ishan Kishan (Lost – 2016): Valiant effort in defeat
Ishan Kishan captained the Indian U19 team in the final of the 2016 U19 World Cup. The match took place against West Indies at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on February 14, 2016. West Indies posted a total of 146 runs in 49.3 overs. In response, India chased down the target with ease, scoring 145/3 in 34.1 overs. Ishan Kishan failed to made a valuable contribution, scoring only 4 runs. Rishabh Pant also could score only 1 run. The Indian team displayed a composed performance, securing the U19 World Cup title under Ishan Kishan’s leadership
- Post World Cup Journey: Promising wicketkeeper-batter
Kishan, despite the loss in the U19 final, developed into a promising wicketkeeper-batter. He made his international debut for India and became a key player for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kishan’s aggressive style and ability to play big shots earned him recognition.
6. Prithvi Shaw (Won – 2018): Aggression and impact
Prithvi Shaw led the Indian U19 team to victory in the final of the 2018 U19 World Cup. The final match was played against Australia at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on February 3, 2018. Australia batted first and set a target of 217 runs. In response, India chased down the target successfully, scoring 220/2 in 38.5 overs. Manjot Kalra played a crucial innings, scoring an impressive 101 not out, while Prithvi contributed with 29 runs. The Indian team put up a stellar performance, securing the U19 World Cup title under Prithvi’s captaincy.
- Post World Cup Journey: Test centurion with fitness hurdles
Prithvi’s U19 success served as a precursor to his impactful entry into international cricket. His standout moment came with a spectacular Test debut against the West Indies, where he showcased his batting prowess by scoring a century. Shaw’s aggressive style, coupled with leadership skills, earned him accolades, positioning him as a crucial asset in India’s cricketing setup. However, in recent years, Shaw has faced challenges related to injuries and fitness. These setbacks have resulted in his absence from the national team during certain periods.
7. Priyam Garg (Lost – 2020): Fighting leadership in defeat
Under the captaincy of Priyam Garg, the Indian U19 team reached the final of the 2020 U19 World Cup. The final match was played against Bangladesh at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on February 9, 2020. Batting first, Bangladesh set a target of 178 runs. In a thrilling contest, India was bowled out for 177 in 47.2 overs, falling just short of the target. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the top scorer for India with 88 runs. Despite a valiant effort by Indian bowlers in the seocnd essay, India lost the final to Bangladesh by 3 wickets.
- Post World Cup Journey: Leading India A and domestic impact
Garg’s journey post the U19 World Cup included leading the India A side and consistent performances in domestic cricket. While he hasn’t yet earned a spot in the international arena, Garg continued to showcase his skills in the domestic circuit and the IPL.
8. Yash Dhull (Won – 2022): Captaincy and century
Yash Dhull captained the Indian U19 team in the 2022 U19 World Cup final against England. The final took place at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, on February 5, 2022. England batted first and posted a total of 189/10 in their allotted 48.1 overs. In response, India chased down the target, scoring 195/6 in 45.1 overs. Dhull played a crucial role in the chase, scoring 17 runs in 32 balls. India won the U19 World Cup final by 4 wickets, securing the title under Yash Dhull’s leadership
- Post World Cup Journey: Awaiting the unfold of international chapter
Yash’s journey in international cricket is yet to unfold. His leadership and batting prowess in the U19 World Cup hinted at a promising future, and fans eagerly await his transition to higher levels of the game.
Each captain’s journey in the U19 World Cup reflects not only their individual contributions but also their ability to lead and inspire their teams on the grand stage of youth cricket.
