5 forgotten U-19 World Cup stars of India

The 2020 U-19 World Cup is currently underway in South Africa and will go on till February 9. Over the years, the tournament has thrown up many young talents, some of whom have gone on to represent the senior side with distinction while others have faded away.

In the first match of the current edition, Afghanistan leg-spinner Shafiqullah Ghafari made waves with sensational figures of 6 for 15 as his team stunned South Africa. We can expect a few more names to gain fame by the end of the tournament.

India are the most successful team in the event, having won the trophy as many as four times. Many renowned names like Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh and Ravindra Jadeja have made the transition to the Indian team having tasted success in the U-19 World Cup. However, there are a few who also could not live up to expectations. We take a look at five forgotten U-19 World Cup stars of India.

#1. Ravneet Ricky

Ravneet Ricky and Yuvraj Singh

Ravneet Ricky was a highly promising prospect, the second-highest run-scorer in the 2000 edition that India won in Sri Lanka under the leadership of Mohammad Kaif. Ricky amassed 340 runs in eight matches at an average of 42.50 with one hundred and two fifties. Many prominent batsmen from that edition went on to represent their country with distinction. The list includes Graeme Smith, Shane Watson and Yuvraj Singh among others.

Also see - India New Zealand head to head

Ricky, however, never played for India and was relegated to domestic cricket. He played 73 first-class matches for Punjab, scoring 4,032 runs at an average of 37.33 with 13 hundreds and 15 fifties. He could not repeat his U-19 exploits at the domestic level, however, and gradually faded away. Ricky last played for Punjab in 2008, at the age of 28.

#2. Reetinder Singh Sodhi

Reetinder Singh Sodhi

Another lost talent from the 2000 batch. The spirited Reetinder Singh Sodhi was the player of the final as India won the trophy beating hosts, Sri Lanka, by six wickets. He conceded only 26 runs in his 10 overs, and then scored an unbeaten 39 from 43 to lead India to the title triumph. In the tournament, Sodhi contributed 134 runs in eight games at an average of 33.50, and also bowled some tight spells. He was brilliant in the field as well.

Having made a name for his dedication and effervescence, Singh was handed an India debut in December 2000. However, Sodhi failed to live up to expectations. In 18 ODIs, he managed only 280 runs at an average of 25.45, and five wickets at an average of 73. He played his last ODI for India in November 2002 and, with no comeback in the offing, tried his hand at the Indian Cricket League (ICL). Sodhi went on to become one of the youngest match-referees in India.

#3. Amit Bhandari

Amit Bhandari

Former medium-pacer Amit Bhandari impressed in the 1998 edition of the U-19 World Cup. He ended up as India’s highest wicket-taker in the event with 11 wickets in six matches at an average of 15.18 and a strike rate of 22.3.

Just a couple of years later, he made his debut with the senior Indian side. It was a forgettable debut though as he was taken for 75 runs in 10 overs against Pakistan at Dhaka in June 2000 even though he claimed two wickets. He played his second match for India after four years. And even though he claimed 3 for 31 against Zimbabwe at Perth in February 2004, he never turned out in Indian colours again.

Bhandari had an impressive first-class career, with 314 wickets in 95 matches for Delhi at an average of 26.78. He later turned Delhi chief selector, and last made news in February 2019 when he was assaulted for not picking a player.

#4. Gaurav Dhiman

Gaurav Dhiman

Gaurav Dhiman represented India in the 2004 and 2006 U-19 World Cups. In the 2004 edition, he did not stand out but made some useful contributions with both bat and ball. It was in the 2006 edition that his talent came to the fore. He notched up 222 runs at an average of 44.40 and a strike rate of 123.33 with two fifties. He also chipped in with four wickets with the ball with his medium pace.

Dhiman smashed a brilliant 105 from 75 balls in the final of the U-19 Afro-Asian Cup against Sri Lanka in 2005. At that point, it seemed Dhiman was set to make a name for himself on the bigger stage. Shockingly, he ended up playing only one first-class match and seven List A encounters.

#5. Ajitesh Argal

Ajitesh Argal

Medium-pacer Ajitesh Argal was one of the many impressive performers as India lifted the U-19 World Cup under Virat Kohli at Malaysia in 2008. In six matches, he picked up eight wickets at an average of 12.75 and a strike rate of 26.2. His economy rate in the event was also brilliant -- 2.91.

Argal’s most significant contribution came in the final. He finished with sensational figures of 5-2-7-2 wickets, dismissing Pieter Malan and Rilee Rossouw. Argal’s brilliance saw India defend a D/L target of 116 in 25 overs. The medium-pacer was named man of the final.

Despite showing much promise, Argal ended up playing only 10 first-class matches for Madhya Pradesh, the last was of which was in November 2015. He went on to become an income tax inspector through the sports quota.