ICC Under-19 World Cup 2018: 5 Indians who will shoulder the team's responsibility

The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2018 is all set to start from 13th January this year in New Zealand. It will be the 12th edition of the tournament and the third to be held in New Zealand. This marquee tournament will consist of 16 teams and will be played in seven different venues across the country.

Last time finalists India will start their campaign against the mighty Australians at the picturesque Bay Oval. Team India have lifted the U-19 World Cup title thrice, in 2000, 2008 and in 2012 and will look to add to that tally in challenging conditions in New Zealand.

There are five important members of the India Under-19 team who will have to shoulder the responsibility if Prithvi Shaw wants to lift the title come 3rd February 2018.

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#1. Prithvi Shaw (Age- 18 years)

This man needs no introduction. 18-year old Prithvi Shaw has been labelled as India's next batting superstar. After turning 14, he smashed a record 546 in a Mumbai based Haris Shield elite division match.

After making his Ranji Trophy debut vs Tamil Nadu earlier in 2017, he scored a classy hundred in the second innings of that match and followed it up by scoring another 100 in his debut Duleep Trophy game. Shaw has already scored five First Class hundreds in just nine matches.

The captain will have to take the responsibility of scoring the majority of runs to help his team win crucial matches in the World Cup.

#2. Shubman Gill (Age- 18 years)

Shubman Gill

After becoming the fourth youngest player for Punjab to hit a First Class century in a Ranji Trophy match, 18-year old Shubman Gill has been named Vice-Captain of India's ICC U-19 squad. He scored a fantastic 129 versus Services in Amritsar last year.

This highly impressive batsman was also the top-run getter in the Vijay Merchant trophy for two successive years. Career strike rate of 81.39 truly speaks volume of his character. He will look to cash-in this time and make a strong case for him in future.

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#3. Abhishek Sharma (Age- 17 years)

Abhishek Sharma

The Punjab all-rounder, who bats left-handed, emerged as highest wicket-taker in the Vijay Merchant Trophy in 2016. He is a vital cog in India's wheel in this World Cup.

When India U-19 team toured the UK in 2016, he smashed 293 runs at an average of 93. He has already played four Ranji Trophy matches and should use that experience with good effect.

Abhishek has a huge role to play with both bat and ball in the World Cup.

#4. Himanshu Rana (Age-19 years)

Himanshu Rana

Himanshu Rana, who opens with Prithvi Shaw, is one of the most experienced members of the India U-19 team. After making his debut for Haryana as a 16-year-old, he has already played 15 First class and 12 limited over games.

Rana is a reliable batsman who has been gifted with grace and timing. He will look to anchor the innings as an opener and help the other batsmen bat around him. He has to put his best foot forward to help his team win the World Cup.

#5. Ishan Porel (Age-19 years)

Ishan Porel

Ishan Porel is an integral part of India U-19 team and his experience will come in handy for Prithvi Shaw and co. when they start their campaign in New Zealand. He is quite tall and well-built. The speed he clocks is good enough as well and has a lot of time to add that extra yard of pace in the future.

Porel has had a memorable Ranji Trophy season for Bengal as he picked up 13 wickets at an average of 21 in just four matches. He has to take the responsibility of leading the bowling attack in the World Cup.