ICC U19 World Cup 2014: 5 players who can win it for India

3. Ankush Bains

Ankush Bains

He is the Dhoni of the U19 side, save for the fact that he does not captain the side, and opens the batting instead of coming down the order. He is an amazing wicketkeeper, and since he opens as well, he will be in action for a better part of the game.

He has been part of some brilliant opening run stands along with Akhil Herwadkar, and both of them will be all geared up to produce some similar performances in the all-important World Cup coming up. He often gives a quick start to the innings so that the following batsmen can build up on it and get the team to a good total.

He played a major role in the Asia cup as well, bagging Man of the Match in the semi-final for his fifty and also scored a quick-fire 47 in the final to give India that nice head start which is always helpful in limited overs cricket. He can be expected to do some Sehwag-like damage at the top with his bat.

As regards his wicket-keeping, he has been affecting dismissals regularly and India can be rest assured of a safe pair of hands behind the stumps of this guy gets going well. He will play a major part if India are to make it big in this tournament.

2. Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson

This batting sensation at no. 4 is what Virat Kohli is to the national side. Probably the most dependable and consistent batsman that India has, Sanju has his work cut out as India go in for another World Cup campaign.

He is also part of the Rajasthan Royals franchise, hence he has already been in the limelight outside his U19 sphere. That leaves no doubt that he will be watched very keenly as he tries and helps India defend the title.

The stats are on his side. He averages above 40 in the first-class format and close to 30 in the List A format. His last innings saw him get a century against Pakistan in the final of the Asia Cup. He took just 87 balls to get there, hitting 8 fours and 4 sixes while he batted.

If needed, he can also keep wickets in case Bains is not available. The other teams will surely be giving a thought on how to stop his bat, given that if he gets going there is no stopping him and he usually tilts the game his team’s way when he does so. He is one of the players who, if finds his form and rhythm, can be one of the contenders of the Man of the Tournament award.

1. Vijay Zol

Vijay Zol

The skipper will obviously have the largest role to play if his team has to garner hopes of winning the title once again. He bats at no. 3, and is one of India’s main batters. His role will be of the anchor of the batting line up – others will be playing around him while he will be expected to hold one end up. He was part of the squad that claimed the trophy last time as well, but this time it is different for him, now that he is the leader of the side.

He won the Man of the Match in the final of the Asia Cup concluded this month for his brilliant century that just took the game away from Pakistan. India will have a great shot at the trophy if he can produce such masterpieces in the upcoming games.

As regards his responsibility as captain, he has a very able side at his disposal. All he has to do is marshal his resources carefully and take the right decisions. India won the Asia Cup under his leadership, so we can safely say that he has prior experience of successfully leading his side.

It will be a dream run for him if the Indians are able to defend the title this time. How he carries himself will have a great impact on how Team India ends up performing. He definitely has the calibre to contribute in a big way to India’s success.