Batting for the young

SPORT

The under-19 cricket World Cup commences soon. Will it throw up new stars for Indian cricket?

With the BCCI cold-shouldering senior players and showing a more youth-oriented approach, the U-19 cricket World Cup starting in Malaysia next month provides an ideal platform for youngsters to stake their claims.

The 15-day-long tournament sees India pooled with the West Indies, South Africa and Papua New Guinea in Group B. While the Indian team is not one of the favourites, its past record in the junior World Cup has been extremely good. Last time it ended as the runner-up, and it will be looking to go one step better this time.

The Indian team boasts talented youngsters like Ravindra Jadeja, Ajitesh Argal and captain Virat Kohli. Sourav Tiwary, a left-handed batsman, is another player who is being tipped by many to shine. Interestingly, the team is coached by Dav Whatmore, who was recently in the running for the post of coach of the senior team.

Whatmore is an experienced campaigner and will play a vital role in the team's progress. And, being a director at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, he will have a better idea about young talent as well.

The junior World Cup in the past has helped the likes of Virendra Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Mohammed Kaif to make a name for themselves.

While there have been the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, who in spite of being the highest run scorer in the previous edition, finds himself struggling to claim a place in the national team. Dhawan, who was hailed by many pundits and experts as the next big thing to happen to Indian cricket, now plays for the Delhi Ranji team.

This is the first time that the World Cup is being held in a non Test-playing nation, and junior Team India will be looking to come back victorious. Even if victory eludes them, let's hope we find new stars who can be a part of future Indian national teams.