ICC Under-19 World Cup Finals - Key Players

After a hard fought victory against New Zealand, India is ready to face Australia in the finals of the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Australia will look to defend their status of ‘defending champs’ while India will try to win it for the third time. The previous two occasions when India won this prestigious tournament were in 2000 and 2008. Unlike those tournaments, India’s success in this year’s tournament is based on a great bowling attack.

In 2000, Mohammed Kaif led the team to World Cup success along with Yuvraj Singh, who won the player of the tournament. In 2008 Virat Kohli led the U-19 team to success. Kaif, Yuvraj and Kohli played major roles in the past in bringing home the Cup. Since then, Yuvraj and Kohli in particular found great success with the senior Indian Cricket Team. Even this year’s tournament has players who can be instrumental in India’s WC success.

Who are the key players?

1. Ravikant Singh

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 23: Ravikant Singh (c) and Smit Patel of India celebrates the dismissal of Connor Neynens of New Zealand during the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2012 Semi Finals.

The 18 year old from Bengal is the top wicket taker for India in this year’s tournament. Bowling right-arm medium, Ravikant led India to important victories against Papua New Guinea, Pakistan and New Zealand. Against Papua New Guinea he took 5 wickets and conceded only 21 runs. His performance against Pakistan was equally impressive. His 3-wicket haul resulted in Pakistan’s batting order collapse for a modest total of 135. In the semi-finals against New Zealand, his 2 wicket haul was really important in defeating the Kiwis. With 11 wickets and a good economy rate of 3.83 in the tournament, Ravikant can easily lead India’s bowling attack against the Aussies.

2.Baba Aparajith

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 23: Baba Aparajith of India with the Man of the Match award during the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2012 Semi Finals.

The talented allrounder from Chennai has really impressed everyone with his performances in this year’s U-19 CWC. Aprajith’s contribution to the team has been both with the bat and the ball. The innings of 51 vs Pakistan and 44 vs New Zealand were very crucial in India’s victories. His economical spin bowling is a great asset for the team. He recorded a good performance with the ball which helped India in slowing down the Kiwis who were marching to victory in the semi-finals. Aprajith will enter the finals with two successive Man Of The Match awards to his name. He will be hoping to produce a match-winning performance in the finals to make it three in a row.

3. Harmeet Singh

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 23: Harmeet Singh (c) of India celebrates the wicket of Will Young of New Zealand during the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2012 Semi Finals

Harmeet Singh is the player you want if you’re defending a small total. His left arm spin really slows down the opposition. In the current tournament, Harmeet has picked up 6 wickets along at a brilliant economy rate of 2.83. His performances against New Zealand and Pakistan were exemplary. The team captain Unmukt Chand has already said that Harmeet is really important for the team against the Aussies. With a great tounament so far, Harmeet Singh will be really hoping to stop the in-form Australian batsmen and lead the team to victory.

4. Unmukt Chand

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 23: Unmukt Chand of India motions to his players during the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2012 Semi Finals

The U-19 Indian team captain has not had a good tournament so far. Apart from the innings of 78 against Zimbabwe, none of the performances have been upto his usual standards. A lot was expected from Unmukt in this tournament. However, the expectations have not come true. This run of average performances will certainly spur him on to contribute for the team in the finals. Like our senior team captain, Mahender Singh Dhoni, we can expect our U-19 captain to come up with a brilliant performance in the finals to lift the U-19 CWC for India.

Also watch out for: Smit Patel, Kamal Passi.