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Hrishikesh Kanitkar, the head coach of India's U-19 team, has high hopes for the 2024 cohort, believing that a few talents from this batch will advance to represent the senior national team. Despite finishing as runners-up to Australia in the final, losing by 79 runs, the Indian squad showcased exceptional skill and determination, marking their fifth consecutive final in the tournament as the record five-time champions.
"Definitely (the future of India is very bright). As a bowling side and as a batting side, there have been stand out performances by quite a few players," Kanitkar said at the post-match press conference on Sunday.
"They have shown maturity in tough situations and that bodes well for Indian cricket," he added.
Young Indian stars give account of their potential
Among the standout performers were captain Uday Saharan, Musheer Khan, Saumy Pandey, and Sachin Dhas, who played pivotal roles throughout the competition. Saharan, representing Punjab, emerged as the tournament's top scorer with a remarkable 397 runs, including a century against Nepal and a crucial 81 in the semifinal against South Africa, enhancing his reputation as the event unfolded.
Musheer Khan, younger sibling of Mumbai's Sarfaraz Khan, was a model of batting consistency for the team, amassing 360 runs. His contributions were instrumental in India's campaign.
Sachin Dhas and Saumy Pandey also made significant impacts. Dhas, hailing from Maharashtra, excelled in the finisher's role, demonstrating the composure needed at the highest level. Meanwhile, Pandey, a left-arm spinner, was a key figure in India's bowling attack, claiming 18 wickets and proving to be a formidable force.
India's history in age-group cricket has been illustrious, with the U-19 World Cup serving as a launchpad for several cricketing stars such as Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, and Rohit Sharma, among others, who have gone on to achieve greatness at the senior level.
"Everytime time there are a couple of guys who step up either in the IPL or the Indian team. I'm sure there will be a couple, but there is great competition back home," Kanitkar added.
Furthermore, squad members Arshin Kulkarni and Avanish Rao entered the tournament with IPL contracts already in their kitty, highlighting the talent within the team. According to Kanitkar, participation in the U-19 World Cup offers invaluable experience and a glimpse into the demands of international cricket, setting a foundation for future success at the senior level.
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