U-21 International Cricketers XI

There used to be a time when a player used to debut only in his mid-twenties. Apart from players such as Sachin Tendulkar and Shahid Afridi, very few teenage debutantes have found success in their career. However, time has changed now.

The success of a cricketer is dependent on how much time he is given to succeed at the highest level. Naturally, this has led to a lot of players representing their country at a very young age. Now, with a bigger focus being given to domestic competitions and the rise of franchise-based competitions like IPL, talent recognition has become easier. With the Cricket Boards thinking of two generations at one time - present and the future, it comes as no surprise that we see a lot of teenage boys wearing national colours.

Let us look now have a look at a squad which comprises of teenage sensations from over the world.

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#1 Openers: Prithvi Shaw and Washington Sundar

At 18 years of age, Prithvi Shaw has at least two decades of batting to do for India. He has done well in every domestic match that he has played for. He could easily qualify as the best young batsman in World cricket right now.

Washington Sundar made his national debut for India at the age of 18. Having had the experience of opening the innings in TNPL, he can easily complement Prithvi Shaw at the top. It would not be a surprise if Washington opens the bowling too.

Middle-order: Ollie Pope and Mehidy Hasan

Ollie Pope from England and Mehidy Hasan from Bangladesh have made a mark with their batting skills. Although Mehidy Hasan is a bowling all-rounder, his batting would offer stability to this team.

Ollie Pope is a fine middle order batsman

Wicketkeeper: Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant has a test century to his name and he is the true successor to MS Dhoni. Having witnessed his exploits in the IPL, we can be sure of the entertainment factor he would add to the team. Ollie Pope could be a back up a wicket-keeper if needed.

All-rounders: Sam Curran and Rashid Khan

Sam Curran was the pick of the India-England series last month and he can be a genuine match-winner on his day. Rashid Khan, at 20 years has achieved beyond his age and he will be the captain of this team.

Spin Bowlers: Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Shadab Khan

There is a good variety in this spin duo with one being a mystery spinner and the other a leg spinner. It would only be a matter of time before they top the bowling charts in International cricket.

Fast Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi and Khaleel Ahmed

With left-arm seamers hard to come by, these two young bowlers will have an advantage over the opposition with their angling deliveries. They are all-format bowlers and are an asset to their countries.

Khaleel will be in the reckoning for the World Cup