NEW DELHI: The defending champions and the most successful team in Under-19 World Cup history, India, are gearing up for another title quest as they prepare to face Bangladesh in their tournament opener.
Led by captain
Uday Saharan
, the Indian team, placed in Group A, will kick off their campaign at the Manguang Oval before facing Ireland and the USA in subsequent group fixtures.
Having clinched the U-19 World Cup in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022, India are a powerhouse in youth cricket, known for nurturing and showcasing prodigious talent. The team features players like Arshin Kulkarni, Aravelly Avanish,
Saumy Kumar Pandey
, and captain Uday Saharan, each bringing a unique skill set to the table.
Among these players, Kulkarni and Avanish have already secured IPL deals with Lucknow Supergiants and Chennai Super Kings, respectively. They will be eager to make a significant impact on the global stage before transitioning to senior-level cricket.
Saharan, who has led Punjab across age groups and boasts an impressive recent record, will play a crucial role in guiding the team. Saharan, a right-handed batter, has scored over fifty in his last three innings, including a century against South Africa.
India's squad also features promising talents like
Musheer Khan
from Mumbai, who performed exceptionally well in the domestic U-19 Challenger Trophy.
The bowling department is well-equipped with Aaradhya Shukla, Saumy
Kumar Pandey
, and Arshin Kulkarni, who were among the top wicket-takers in the U-19 Challenger Trophy.
India's U-19 team, in good form, won all four matches in the U-19 tri-nation series in South Africa, with the final against the hosts ending in a washout. However, the team will approach the tournament with caution, mindful of their previous U-19 Asia Cup semifinal loss to Bangladesh in December.
India's U-19 team will be keen to make a strong statement in the opening match against Bangladesh and lay the foundation for a successful campaign in the U-19 Cricket World Cup.
Squads:
India: Arshin Kulkarni, Adarsh Singh, Rudra Mayur Patel, Sachin Dhas, Priyanshu Moliya, Musheer Khan, Uday Saharan (c), Aravelly Avanish Rao (wk), Saumy Kumar Pandey (vc), Murugan Abhishek, Innesh Mahajan (wk), Dhanush Gowda, Aaradhya Shukla, Raj Limbani, Naman Tiwari.
Bangladesh: Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby (c), Ashiqur Rahman Shibli (wk), Jishan Alam, Ariful Islam, Mohammad Shihab James, Ahrar Amin (vc), Shiekh Parvez Jibon, Wasi Siddiquee, Maruf Mridha, Chowdhury Md Rizwan, Adil Bin Siddik, Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman,Md Rafi Uzzaman Rafi, Rohanat Doullah Borson, Iqbal Hossain Emon.
Time: 1:30pm IST.
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(With inputs from PTI)
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