The ACC Under-19 Asia Cup 2023, scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will see Uday Saharan captaining the Indian squad. The tournament, starting from December 8, has generated considerable excitement, especially with India being the reigning champions.
India has announced a robust 15-member team for this prestigious youth cricket tournament, with Saumy Kumar Pandey appointed as the vice-captain. The team is set to kick off its campaign against Afghanistan on the opening day, December 8.
In what promises to be a thrilling series of matches, India finds itself placed in a challenging group that includes teams from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nepal. On the other side, the second group comprises teams from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the host nation UAE, and Japan.
A highlight of the tournament, and undoubtedly a high-stakes encounter, will be India's face-off against Pakistan. This match is scheduled for December 10 at the ICC Academy Oval-1, a venue known for its world-class facilities.
India's group-stage journey will conclude with a game against Nepal on December 12. The tournament then progresses to the knock-out stages, with semi-finals slated for December 15 and the final on December 17. The much-anticipated final will be hosted at the Dubai International Stadium, a venue celebrated for hosting significant cricketing events.
Accompanying the primary squad, the selection committee has named three travelling standby players. Additionally, four reserve players have been identified, though they will not be part of the touring contingent.
India's dominance in the Under-19 Asia Cup is well-known, with the team having won the title eight times out of nine since its inception in 1989. This impressive track record positions India not only as the defending champions but also as the most successful team in the history of the tournament.
The Under-19 Asia Cup is a vital platform for showcasing young cricketing talent and is eagerly anticipated by cricket enthusiasts. The tournament provides an opportunity for emerging players to gain international exposure and showcase their skills on a prestigious platform. As the defending champions, the Indian team will be looking to continue their legacy and add another title to their already illustrious record in the tournament.
India U-19 squad: Uday Saharan (captain), Saumy Kumar Pandey (vice-captain), Arshin Kulkarni, Adarsh Singh, Rudra Mayur Patel, Sachin Dhas, Priyanshu Moliya, Musheer Khan, Dhanush Gowda, Avinash Rao (wk), M Abhishek, Innesh Mahajan (wk), Aardhya Shukla, Raj Limbani, Naman Tiwari.
Standby players: Prem Devkar, Ansh Gosai, Mohammed Amaan.
Reserve players: Digvijay Patim Jayanth Goyat, P Vignesh, Kiran Chormale.
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