Under-19 Cricket World Cup holds an important place in a young cricketer's life. It has been a dream for the youngsters to represent their country at the highest level. It is also a path to gain a spot in the national team. ICC Under - 19 Cricket World Cup 2018 will be played in New Zealand from 13th January to 3rd February. India is one of the strongest teams throughout the history of Under - 19 World Cups. They have won thrice and are the favourites to clinch the title this year once again. It is a proud moment for Gujarat state as Harvik Desai - a Wicketkeeper-Batsman has been included in the Indian squad for the World Cup. Here's a look at Indian squad, tournament format and Harvik's performance in the Under - 19 cricket.
New Zealand will host 12th edition of Under - 19 Cricket World Cup
Under - 19 world cup takes place every 2 years. This will be the 12th edition of the tournament and the third to be palyed in New Zealand. Earlier, New Zealand has hosted this event in 2002 and 2010. The pitches in New Zealand are bowler friendly and produces a good bounce. Moreover, the windy situation and green top pitches may prove to be a challenge for the subcontinent batsman.
Harvik Desai from Bhavnagar included in the squad
Harvik Desai, the young cricketer from Bhavnagar, Gujarat - has been included in the squad of the World Cup. The 18-year-old Wicketkeeper Batsman has been representing the country for last one year and played some good shots during the youth tournament in England. He had taken four catches, three wickets behind the stumps and scored a total of 197 runs in the tournament. He has proved himself to be the backbone of Indian batting lineup and this has helped India to strengthen their batting order.
India ended their journey as runners-up in 2016th edition
India and Australia have won the Under - 19 cricket World Cup three times each. In the last edition, India was beaten by West Indies in the final and ended their journey as a runner-up. For last one year, the Indian team has won several tournaments outside the subcontinent. Therefore they are strong contenders for World Cup 2018.
Mumbai's opener Prithvi Shaw will lead the team
Mumbai Ranji team's opening batsman Prithvi Shaw has been appointed as the captain of the Indian Under - 19 team for the World Cup. He has been in a great form and has smashed five centuries for the team in 2017 Ranji trophy season.
Indian squad for the world cup
Prithvi Shaw (Captain), Shubham Gill (Vice-captain), Manjot Kalra, Himanshu Rana, Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Aryan Juyal (Wicket-keeper), Harvik Desai (Wicket-keeper), Shivam Mani, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ishan Porel, Arshdeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Shiva Singh, Pankaj Yadav.
