"Something just like Rinku Singh..." - Ravichandran Ashwin lauds Uday Saharan ahead of U19 World Cup final

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin praised India’s U19 captain, Uday Saharan, for his remarkable composure during the ICC World Cup. Ravichandran Ashwin drew parallels between Uday Saharan’s match-winning ability and calm demeanor and Rinku Singh.

Uday Saharan guided the Indian team to the final of the ongoing ICC U19 World Cup in South Africa. The Indian skipper played a match-winning knock against the hosts in the semifinal. He was awarded Player of the Match for his brilliant batting display under pressure.

Saharan formed a record partnership of 171 runs after India found themselves struggling at 32/4. Sachin (96) fell just short of a well-deserved century, and Saharan contributed 81 runs before being dismissed. India secured a thrilling two-wicket victory over the Proteas.

Uday Saharan’s composure impresses me – Ravichandran Ashwin

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted Uday Saharan’s growing reputation as the ‘Find of the Tournament’. However, Ashwin emphasized that it’s Saharan’s composure that truly stands out, rather than his runs alone.

“This World Cup, many people are already calling him (Uday Saharan) the find of the World Cup; he is the first captain to be the highest rungetter of the team. It is not about the runs; it is about the matchwinning ability of Uday Saharan that impresses me, it is the composure with which he plays,” said Ashwin.

“Something just like Rinku Singh, which I told recently. It cannot be bought with money. Uday Saharan has that ingrained in him. He has a quite assurance. He has a calm, composed and confident nature,” he added.

Uday Saharan Leads Batting Charts In ICC U19 World Cup 2024

Uday Saharan moved to the top spot in the batting charts, following his outstanding performance in the semi-final. He scored 389 runs in six innings at an impressive average of 64.83, including a century and three half-centuries, with his highest score being 100.

Saharan notched up a century against Nepal and contributed consistently with scores of 64 against Bangladesh, 75 against Ireland, and 81 against South Africa in the crucial semi-final encounter.

Musheer Khan is the second-leading run scorer of the tournament, scoring 338 runs at an average of 67.6, including two centuries and a fifty. Sachin Dhas occupies the third position, having amassed 294 runs from six innings at an impressive average of 73.

India has been undefeated in the U-19 World Cup 2024, showcasing exceptional performance in all matches except the semi-final, which they won by a narrow margin of two wickets against South Africa. The team has the opportunity to defend their title in the final.

India will face Australia in the 2024 final at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, on February 11th. It marks India’s ninth appearance in the championship final, highlighting their dominance in the tournament. The Indian team has registered five U-19 World Cup titles in history.

India is competing in their third final match against Australia. Australia has never emerged victorious against India in a U19 World Cup final. A win for India would secure their sixth title, while a victory for Australia would mark their fourth championship.

Also read: Uday Saharan not thinking of revenge for the senior team ahead of Under 19 World Cup Final between India and Australia