South Africa all-rounder Ryan McLaren has reportedly warned of the dangers of pushing the under-19 players too early, despite their recent success in the ICC Junior World Cup.
McLaren has said that from a management point of view, it is important that they do not push the under-19 players too early.
According to Sport24, McLaren said that some players 'bloom' a bit later than others and it is important to mentor them and gauge them when they are ready.
The all-rounder also said that they have a very small percentage of guys who are ready to play South Africa at 20 or 21 and quoted AB de Villiers example adding that guys like him do not come around often.
McLaren said that sometimes, there is 'unjustified expectation' on some players from an early age and it pushes them in the direction they are not ready for and these players might only be ready at 26 or 27 to play international cricket.
However, McLaren added that whichever path the under-19 players chose, it would be important to build on their early success adding that at under-19 winning a world cup is brilliant.
Along with De Villiers other players who made their debut at a young age for South African international squad are Quinton de Kock, 21, and Wayne Parnell, 20, the report added.
