5 forgotten U-19 World Cup stars of India

#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.