Aakash Chopra Names His Best World XI To Have Emerged From The U-19 World Cup
Published - 04 Feb 2022, 12:21 PM
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Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra left out Ravindra Jadeja from his list of the best eleven players to have made it big after participating in the U-19 World Cup.
To start off, he had Babar Azam and Virat Kohli at the top, followed by Steve Smith and Kane Williamson. While Kohli was the captain of the team that won the trophy, Williamson was part of the Kiwi team that lost to India.
“Babar Azam, you saw him playing drives in the under-19 World Cup, he was looking good. He comes from a cricketing family and it was the first time we got to see his potential, although you don’t know how much that potential will be realized.”
“After him, Virat Kohli. The qualities were there, it seemed the boy will do well but I will be honest, I didn’t feel he will do this well. Steve Smith, if you see his photo as a kid, you will say a leg-spinner had come who could bat a little but he will become Steve unstoppable Smith. Kane consistent Williamson – it was the same World Cup where Kohli was there against him. In fact, Kohli dismissed Williamson,” Chopra told on his YouTube channel.
For the wicket-keeping role, Chandimal was chosen for his exploits for Sri Lanka. England’s world cup winning captain, Eoin Morgan was next and the batting order was completed by Shimron Hetmyer.
“After that, Dinesh Chandimal. I will keep him in the team as a wicket-keeper. Eoin Morgan, World Cup-winning captain. He used to play for Ireland at that time, now he is England’s captain. Shimron Hetmyer – we had seen his ability to hit sixes in under-19 cricket,” Chopra added.
Aakash Chopra’s bowling attack
Bangladesh spinner, Mehidy Hasan was the only tweaker in the side. The rest of the three spots were filled by fast bowlers – Woakes, Rabada, and Shaheen Afridi. While the latter is still in the early stages of his career, he has already shown what he is capable of.
“Mehidy Hasan Miraz – one of my favorite players, his performance has been very good. Off-spin, batting – he is brilliant. Then Chris Woakes, he also made the journey from the under-19 World Cup to the England side.”
“Then Shaheen Afridi and Kagiso Rabada. These are two other big names whom you see and say – Well done yaar, these boys have done very well,” Chopra added.
Aakash Chopra’s World XI from U-19 World Cups:
Babar Azam, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Dinesh Chandimal, Eoin Morgan, Shimron Hetmyer, Mehidy Hasan, Kagiso Rabada, Chris Woakes, Shaheen Afridi.
