Under-19 World Cup: 5 India players who need polishing

Tejas V
ICC U19 Cricket World Cup - India v Papua New Guinea
ICC U19 Cricket World Cup team after a group stage victory

The Under-19 World Cup is probably the premier platform for emerging prodigies to make a mark and attract the spotlight and the Indian team just did that by winning the tournament comprehensively under the guidance of the legendary Rahul Dravid. The team, led by Prithvi Shaw, were ruthless throughout the tourney and showcased their grit, composure, and professionalism thoroughly. The Indian camp went unbeaten throughout the tournament and has unearthed many stars who might well be the next Kohlis, the Dhawans, and the Jadejas.

But this time around, the pace-bowling unit was the highlight, with the speedsters causing all sorts of problems with speeds above the 140 kmph mark on the speed gun. To sum it up, it was an all-round performance that enabled them to lift the U-19 World Cup for the fourth time in history.

But let us take a look at some of the promising players who need a bit of polishing to make it big in the future:


#5 Harvik Desai

England U19's v India U19's - 5th ODI
Desai can bat at the top of the order and also in the middle order

The gloveman of the India Cricket team, Harvik Desai had a memorable tournament in the U19 World Cup.

He opened the innings on a couple of occasions and was involved in a century stand alongside Shubman Gill against Zimbabwe. In addition to this, Desai stitched a crucial partnership of 89 with Manjot Kalra to see his team triumph in the finals.

With MS Dhoni in the final stages of his career and the likes of Wridhiman Saha, Parthiv Patel and Dinesh Karthik all well into their 30s, very few young cricketers are in contention for a spot to replace them.

Under the guidance of Rahul Dravid, undoubtedly if Desai keeps improving rapidly, he has the potential to make it into the senior team.

#4 Shivam Mavi

ICC U19 Cricket World Cup - India v Papua New Guinea
Mavi was the pick of the Indian speedsters in the U19 World Cup

Throughout the history of Indian cricket, not many bowlers have managed to bowl in excess of 140kmph consistently. The bitter truth is that they either struggle to remain injury-free or they find it hard to maintain their consistency.

However, Mavi along with his new-ball partner Kamlesh Nagarkoti, surprised everyone with their fierce pace and ability to maintain a tight length and line. Mavi's economy in the tournament was 4.12 and impressively picked up 9 wickets.

His control on swinging the ball at high speeds gave him the edge over many other bowlers in the tournament. The speedster needs a bit of nurturing on maintaining his discipline and with continued inputs, he can be 'one for the future'.

#3 Abhishek Sharma

England U19's v India U19's - 4th ODI
Sharma possesses some serious skills that are required at the International level

The India team is not short of left-arm all-rounders and Abhishek Sharma falls into that category. The 17-year-old is extremely handy with the bat in the lower order and has the ability to deliver big blows.

The left-arm orthodox bowler is equipped with the skills to pick up wickets in the mid-junctures of one-day matches and showcased his ability to cap the run flow as well.

His highlights in the tournament include a quick-fire cameo of 22 in just 8 balls against Australia in the opening game and also his all-round performance in the quarter-final against Bangladesh.

With continued performances for his home state Punjab and a bit more inputs from the coaches, he can transform into one of the fine all-rounders of the game.

#2 Himanshu Rana

England U19's v India U19's
Rana has got all shots in the book in his armory

The right-handed batsman did not get to play too many games in the Under-19 World Cup but already has 15 first class games under his belt for Haryana and India Under 19.

The adroit teenager boasts an average of 31.68 and has secured two tons in his short first-class career. His last ton was in a match-winning cause against Malaysia Under-19 last year.

In addition to his, Rana is equipped with the ability to play risk-free cricket all along the ground. With a few more pieces of advice and encouragement, Rana can cement his place as a solid top-order batsman in any team he plays for.

#1 Manjot Kalra

ICC U19 Cricket World Cup - India v Papua New Guinea
Kalra was the Man of the Match in the U19 final against Australia

Right from the beginning of the tournament to the culmination, Manjot Kalra has been India's Mr. Consistent. The left-handed top-order batsman churned a total of 252 runs with a score of an unbeaten 101 in the finals being the highest.

Throughout the tournament, Kalra's scores were 86, 9*, 9, 47 and 101*. His ability to score at good pace makes him one of the most promising prospects. His overall strike-rate in the U-19 World Cup stands at 89.36.

The Indian senior team lacks consistent openers and if Kalra continues his form, then he can aspire to be India's left-handed opener in the next few years.

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Edited by Sarah Waris