ICC U-19 World Cup: Indian coach Hrishikesh Kantikar praise boys ahead of the tournament

After winning the Asia Cup, the Under-19 India boys are set to take on the ICC under-19 Cricket World Cup, which begins on January 14th.

ICC under-19 World Cup starts on January 14th in the Caribbean nations. India would play its first match in Guyana against South Africa. All eyes will be on Yash Dhull and his boys.

India has won the under-19 World Cup four times: 2000,2008,2012, and 2018. Except for Unmukt Chand, All the captains who led India to the World Cup victory became a part of the Indian senior team, including Mohammad Kaif, Virat Kohli, and Prithvi Shaw. Yash Dhull would be looking at this tournament as a significant opportunity to boost his career.

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On the four world cup victory, India possesses, India coach Hrishikesh Kantikar in an online media interaction, said; “There is a huge legacy since India has done so well in this tournament. It doesn’t help that we have won four times. There is a new team, so you have to start afresh,”

Team coach Hrishikesh Kantikar stated about Yash: “Primary quality in captain has respect from players and without that, he could be a good player but won’t be able to do that job. He has got the respect of the team.” He also said that Yash knows how to take tough calls and has a spontaneous nature. Yash is also confident about the team and has a positive attitude with the upcoming mega event. He said: “Our plan is simple. We have to take it a game to game. Pressure will be there, but the important thing is to enjoy and then play freely.”

Coach Kantikar emphasized the talent these young guns possess. Speaking about fast-bowling allrounder Rajvardhan Hangargekar, he said, “It augurs well for the future. The talent is there…it is about grooming and handling them well. Rajvardhan is a really exciting prospect and bowls at a fair clip.”

Talking about the covid scenario, Coach Kantikar said, “It (playing under bio-bubble) is a challenge; we need to realize that this is the norm now. It is better to get used to it. This is a reality now, and you find things to by staying in the bubble.”