The Indian U-19 squad, captained by the promising Ayush Mhatre, began their quest for the World Cup on Thursday, January 15th. This marks the 18th edition of the ICC U-19 World Cup, where each team hopes to find its future stars. The tournament kicked off with the match between India and the USA.
Year after year, the stage explored and unfolded the young talents and made the pathway to becoming a legend, from Yuvraj Singh to Virat Kohli to Steve Smith to Kane Williamson. This is the stage where players experience the challenge of international cricket for the first time. India, the five-time champion of the tournament, is going to be one of the favourites, as players like Vaibhav Suryabhanshi, Ayush Mhatre and Aaron George have already made noise in world cricket.
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All teams have checked the sound before facing the toughest challenge, and this year's tournament is expected to reflect modern cricket.
Here are the key players of the Indian team who will be important in this World Cup
Ayush Mhatre – The promising player from Mumbai and also the captain of the Indian team for this World Cup has already made noise after playing for Chennai Super Kings. Joining the squad as a replacement player for Ruturaj Gaikwad, he put his bat to make a show and played a few crucial knocks. Before going to the World Cup, he had just recovered from a hand injury and also had a poor Asia Cup outing. The skill he possesses his runs will be important for the team.
Vaibhav Suryabhanshi – Already became a star; he does not need any kind of introduction at this point. Known for his furious batting, He is also the vice-captain of the team, and the power he can generate with his skill is going to be important for the Indian team.
Aaron George- The promising top-order batter has already shown his ability to become a match-winner. His knocks in the Asia Cup are something to cherish, and he saved India many times with his composed batting.
Kanishk Chauhan- As India is lacking in the spin bowler all-rounder commodity, the spin bowling all-rounder is evolving as one of its kind. He made runs with the bat and also changed the game with his proper line length. He will be the leader of the bowling department, and his sheer impact with both bat and ball is going to be crucial from India’s perspective.
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Abhigyan Kundu- Another young prodigy from Mumbai, the left-hand batter is the wicket keeper of this squad. He recently made a double hundred in the Asia Cup and became the highest run scorer in one innings in youth cricket for India. His impact down the order is going to be interesting to watch.
Other than these players, Henil Patel, a medium pace bowler and Vihaan Malhotra, who recently got picked by RCB in the auction, can also add value to the team.
India’s playing XI against the USA
Ayush Mhatre(c), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu(w), Harvansh Pangalia, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Khilan Patel.
