2019- Youngster XI for One Day International Cricket 

Rishabh Pant is the youngster to look forward too in 2019.
Rishabh Pant is the youngster to look forward too in 2019.

The evolving requirements of the modern game have transformed cricket into a young man's game. All of us remember a 17-year-old Sachin Tendulkar scoring a splendid ton at the Old Trafford in Manchester against England in 1990. Today, a player's requirements are completely different from what they were some 20 years ago.

Young Turks have taken the world of cricket by storm, right from Shai Hope's heroics against the Indians in late 2018 to Duanne Olivier's success against Pakistan in 2018. The viewers of the game have been treated to some top-notch performances of late by young players.

Same has been the case with Rashid Khan of Afghanistan. At 20, the leggie has become everybody's favorite. At present, he's perhaps the most popular cricketers in the world and probably the best spinner around too. Rishabh Pant enthralled the spectators at the SCG with his swashbuckling 159 against the Aussies. Even, Kuldeep Yadav of India has set the stage on fire with his white ball exploits. Pairing him with Yuzvendra Chahal would only complicate matters for the opposition.

Here's a bunch of youngsters who can take on the world in 2019, if they join forces and play for the same team.

But before we move forward, let us take a look at some notable names which couldn't make the cut.

1) Khaleel Ahmed (India)

2) Nicholas Pooran (West Indies)

3) Lungi Ngidi (South Africa)

4) Mujeeb-ur-Rehman (Afghanistan)

5) Quinton De Kock (South Africa)

6) Shimron Hetmeyer (West Indies)

7) Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)

8) Marnus Labuschagne (Australia)

10) Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal)

11) Sam Curran and Ollie Pope (England)


The Openers

#1 Aiden Markram (South Africa)

The 24-year-old has taken the world of cricket by storm. An excellent technique and a willingness to spend time at the crease make Aiden Markram a player to keep an eye on. With Hashim Amla in the autumn of his career, Markram has the potential to become the next big thing for South African Cricket. With almost five spots in the starting XI up for grabs, he is likely to make the cut for this year's world cup.

South Africa v Pakistan - Second Test
South Africa v Pakistan - Second Test

#2 Imam-ul-Haq (Pakistan)

South Africa v Pakistan - 1st Momentum One Day International
South Africa v Pakistan - 1st Momentum One Day International

The left-hander's excellent form with the willow in hand has coincided with Pakistan's rise in limited-overs cricket. A level-headed approach and the ability to play orthodox cricketing shots make Imam-ul-Haq can exciting young cricketer. He is a leading contender to share the opening duties with Fakhar Zaman in the upcoming world cup for the men in green.

Middle Order

#3 Travis Head (Australia)

Travis Head
Travis Head

In a year full of controversies and emotional turmoil, Travis Head has been a silver lining for the baggy greens. After the Warner-Smith Ball tampering fiasco, Head has consistently featured presence for the Australian's across all formats. An average of just a shade under 35 doesn't aptly showcase the skill, temperament, and technical prowess the 25-year-old possesses. One hopes with age on his side, he makes the most of his incredible talent.

#4 Shai Hope (West Indies)

Shai Hope
Shai Hope

Of late, the West Indian team has shown signs of promise and one of the reasons behind their rise is Shai Hope. His exploits against the Indians in December last year spoke volumes about his talent and capability. The ability to play watchfully is what separates him from the present bunch of West Indian cricketers. Hope's willingness to play the sheet anchor's role allows his teammates to play their natural game

#5 Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)

Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis

Young, confident, and aggressive, Kusal Mendis can play the floater's role for Sri Lanka effortlessly. An average of under 30 in 50-over cricket is certainly not doing justice to his talent. Mendis can stick around and let everyone bat around him but also pull-off the big strokes if needed

Wicket-Keeper

#6 Rishabh Pant (India)

He's a pocket-sized dynamo but if Rishabh Pant is there at the crease, there's guaranteed entertainment in store. You cannot keep this youngster out of the game. In case he fails with the bat, he'd cover it up with his unconventional but effective wicket-keeping abilities. The 22-year-old hasn't quite stamped his authority in the 50-over-format, but it is only a matter of time before he takes everybody by storm.

Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant

#7 Willem Mulder (South Africa)

Willem Mulder comes as a breath of fresh air for the Proteas at a time when South African cricketers are losing players to Kolpak deals, to which Duanne Olivier has become the latest addition. It is imperative that a player as talented as Mulder is handled carefully by South Africans. With many former cricketers and experts comparing him to Jacques Kallis, the youngster is deemed as the next big thing in South African cricket.

Willem Mulder
Willem Mulder

#8 Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

Rashid Khan is to Afghanistan what Shane Warne was to Australia. At the age of 20, he has already established himself as one of the world's best all-rounders. T20 franchises across the globe are running after him to avail his services and for good jersey. The color of this jersey just doesn't matter as he picks up wickets everywhere he plays. His record for his national team is nothing short of exceptional.

Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan

#9 Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)

Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, and Lungi Ngidi make up one of the most dangerous pace attacks at this year's showpiece event in England. He can beat batsman with pace and bounce. Rabada's ability to hit the right lengths frequently makes him one of the most lethal bowlers in world cricket at present.

Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada

#10 Tom Curran (England)

Tom Curran has impressed in the limited opportunities he has got in International cricket so far. He is someone who is can swing the new ball and cause problems for the opposition. With the capability of bowling in the 140's and delivering yorkers, he is extremely dangerous in the death overs too.

Tom Curran
Tom Curran

#11 Jhye Richardson (Australia)

Jhye Richardson
Jhye Richardson

Jhye Richardson is perhaps the next Australia fast bowling sensation. His exploits in the ODI series against India last month showed his abilities. He can be Australia's long-term solution to partner with Cummins, Hazelwood, and Starc. With the World Cup just around the corner, Jhye Richardson is making all the right noises by letting the ball do the talking.

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Edited by Aayush Kataria
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