Time for the next Virat Kohli

Four years ago, India won a championship, and a year ago, another. It’s time again for such a performance. Can the youngters live up to the challenge and knock on the right doors at the right time for the 2015 edition?The 9^th edition of the U-19 Cricket World cup has begun. No fanfare, not many sponsors, 4 matches daily – which means not much of confusion with TV rights and little known locations.

The U-19 World cup or any U-19 series hasn’t gathered too much fanfare, but has earned enough respect from home boards. The local league matches get scrutinized more but U-19 players are rewarded earlier. It’s because U-19 players get chance to showcase their skills in different playing conditions.

Yesteryear stars Brian Lara, Sanath Jayasurya, Chris Cairns and Inzamam-ul-Haq were recognized with their performance at the U-19 stage. Few players as Alastair Cook, Mike Atherton, Graeme Smith, Michael Clarke and Ross Taylor went a step ahead and captained the senior side as well.

But why point out and search for in particular Virat Kohli? Because, India currently need players who can take over the burden from seniors, players who can carry on the expectations of millions, players who can rise to the occasion and players who are willing to represent India in the longer format . Unmukt Chand can be the answer to the above criteria’s. Consecutive centuries in the Asia cup semi-final against SL and final against Pakistan; consecutive match winning performances in the semifinal and final in a series in Australia; a dynamic captain who rise to the occasion and a batting anchor. Unmukt Chand has every aspect for being compared to Virat Kohli.

Two more solid reasons for the comparisons – both are from Delhi and both have been captains of U-19 teams. Kohli has already won and was part of yet another winning side ,and Chand is leading a charged youth team. One was termed as arrogant and ditching his own talent while the other is calm and has already learnt under pressure, thanks to IPL. Both can be termed as players who led their confidence level in the right direction at the right time and have won a battle within themselves. Unmukt Chand is definitely an asset and undoubtedly will be a player to watch in the future.

Baba Aparajith, an off-spinner who can bat, is one player in the squad who has a bit of first class experience for his age. Having performed well in the team’s last outing in Australia, Aparajith has all eyes on him to take India to the championship with his consistent performance.

Another player who has first class experience and has a ‘youth’ contract with IPL is Vijay Zol. Vijay Zol came into limelight with his 11-hour marathon scoring an unbeaten 451 last year. Will he live up to his own expectations? We will have to wait and watch.

For such rising stars, this world cup should not be about winning but proving the point that they have the capability to survive at the bigger stage as better cricketer’s throughout their career and that their career is only cricket. Sadly, not many promising wicket-keepers were found from the U-19 side though. With every international team needing quality wicket-keepers for their future, can we expect some great performance behind the stumps?

This 2012 U-19 Cricket World cup should not be about winning the championship but a dress rehearsal for the 2015 World cup which kick-starts in the same continent.