To get the name in India’s U-19 World Cup squad is a big dream for youngsters as it subsequently paves the way for selection in the national cricket team. Many cricketers came in limelight after they had impressed in the age group competition before becoming legends of the game.
Virat Kohli is such a big example. He led India’s U-19 team to lift the title of the U-19 World Cup in 2008. After this, he was selected in the senior team.
Now, the aggressive player is the captain of Team India. Similarly, KL Rahul, Mohammed Kaif, Yuvraj Singh and others had influenced the selectors with their domination in the U-19 World Cup and soon they earned the place in the national side.
But there have been exceptions when the cricketers without playing the U-19 World Cup have made the direct entry in the national team.
Anyway, this is some story to reveal before you. Isn’t it? Their dedication, hard work, and determination led them to play for their country.
Here are the five Indian players who haven’t featured in the U-19 World Cup team but went on to play for the national team:
5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar:
Who doesn’t know the name of this pacer? Since he made the debut in the Indian team, Kumar has become a crucial player. The death-bowling specialist is the go-to bowler for the skipper.
It was hard for him to find the place in the U-19 squad but he didn’t stop working hard. And finally, in 2012 he got the chance to wear Indian jersey. As if now, the pacer has played 21 Tests, 114 ODIs and 43 T20Is. In Tests, he has picked 63 wickets while in ODIs he has taken 132 wickets.
Currently, the pacer is fighting with an injury. He has been out of the team after he resurfaced with an old injury ahead of the ODI series against the West Indies.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be soon back in the team once he gets fit.