Indian clinched the Under-19 Cricket World Cup title for the fifth time when they defeated England in the final on Saturday. The campaign was led by some stellar showings from youngsters, who will be in high demand in the upcoming IPL auction 2022.
Yash Dhull
229 runs @ 76.33, HS: 110
Yash Dhull was named India’s skipper for the Under-19 World Cup after leading his country to the Under-19 Asia Cup trophy in the UAE last year. He has previously led Delhi in the U16 and U19 categories and rose through the ranks after consistent showings in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, where he made 316 runs in eight matches, including one hundred and three fifties.
The youngster played only four matches in the U19 World Cup due to Covid-19 but ended with 229 runs at an average of 76.33. His knock of 110 in the semi-final displayed Dhull’s temperament. After being reduced to 37-2, the captain anchored the innings, taking India to 290-5, which proved to be 96 runs too many for Australia in the end.
With IPL sides always on the lookout for young India players who can be groomed for the future, Dhull, who comes in with a rich captaincy resume, is likely to make waves.
Raj Bawa
252 runs @ 63, HS: 162*
9 wickets @ 16.66, BBI: 5-31
The seaming all-rounder ended the tournament as India’s second-highest run-scorer and the third-highest wicket-taker. He broke Shikhar Dhawan’s record of the highest score by an Indian in the Under-19 World Cup when he smashed 162* off 108 deliveries against Uganda, in a match where several key players were missing.
He picked up a four-for against South Africa in the league stage after India had managed only 232 to help them to a win, and went on to pick up a five-wicket haul in the final. With the bat, he scored a crucial 35 against England after India lost a few quick wickets to end with the Player of the Match award.
Seaming all-rounders are a rare commodity in India, and his recent performances make him a player who could fetch big bucks in the auction.
Rajvardhan Hangargekar
52 runs @ 26, HS: 39*
5 wickets @ 28.80, BBI: 2-8
Rajvardhan Hangargekar was disciplined and economical in the Under-19 World Cup, giving away 3.67 runs an over with the ball. With the bat, he played crucial cameos at a strike rate of 185.71, and has already managed to catch the eye of the stalwarts, including R Ashwin, who predicted on his YouTube channel that the all-rounder would attract at least 5-10 bids for his ability to bowl inswingers well.
Hangargekar did well in the Asia Cup as well, picking up eight scalps in five games.
Vicky Ostwal
12 wickets @ 13.33, BBI: 5-28
The leading wicket-taker for India in the competition, Vicky Ostwal is a handy all-rounder as well, with a string of impressive performances in the recent past. He had ended the U19 Asia Cup with eight wickets, including three for 11 in the final against Sri Lanka.
The youngster starred with a five-for in the league game against South Africa in the U19 World Cup, where the Proteas, chasing only 233 for a win, were bowled out for 187, with Ostwal’s 5-28 helping him win the Player of the Match award.
