Under-19 World Cup 2018: Shikhar Dhawan shares his experience with young Indian Colts

Team India’s explosive opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan, who was the part of the India Under-19 squad way back in 2004 and subsequently was the leading run-scorer, has eventually boosted the morale of the concurrent young side-led by Prithvi Shaw, who is bound to lead his team in the impending U-19 World Cup in New Zealand.

“I feel this tournament has gained in importance over the years with so many players prospering after doing well in the tournament,” Dhawan was quoted as saying by the International Cricket Council.

Moreover, the U-19 World Cup is a steppingstone for the young blood according to Dhawan, and he further believes such competition would help the talented prospects to become better.

“The Under-19 World Cup is a great platform for youngsters as they get an early feel of international cricket. The tournament provides players the opportunity to not just iron out their flaws but also to understand how things pan out in top tournaments,” Dhawan maintained.

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It’s further believed such campaigns would see players further facing the stern test and equally work on their game to shine on in the foreseeable future while setting.

“Look around and you will see that a number of players in each international side figured in past U-19 World Cups,” Dhawan observed, as Indian skipper Virat Kohli came from the ranks of U-19 cricket akin Pakistan’s captain Sarfraz Ahmed.

The 32-year-old Delhi-based batsman Dhawan, who was the Player of the Series in 2004, has been on role for the national team India and simultaneously enjoyed his run in the 50-over format in particular after successful run as a teenage cricketer

“I have some great memories from the tournament since I was the leading scorer and player of the tournament in 2004,” Dhawan reminisced.

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Moreover, the 16-team tournament will be beginning from January 13, as the left-handed batsman, Dhawan believes such tournament has shaped up his career which further provides a significant opportunity.

“The tournament helped me gain in confidence and prepare better for senior cricket,” Dhawan concluded.

Dhawan played 96 ODIs, 28 Tests and 28 T20Is respectively.

Interestingly, India has lifted the U-19 World Cup title for the third time in 2012, after registering the win in 2008 and 2000, as the side his sitting as the joint-most successful team alongside Australia which recorded the final wins in 1998, 2002 and 2010.

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The tournament final will be held on 3rd February, as the All-India Junior Selection Committee named the 16-men squad earlier in the first week of December, as the preparation camp was held between December 8 and December 22 respectively in Bangalore.

The young Indians will open its campaign against Australia at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on January 14.

India U-19 team is listed in the Group B alongside Zimbabwe U-19 followed by Papua New Guinea U-19.