U-19 World Cup 2020: 'Ek Dum Paka Hua Bowler' - Praveen Kumar On Kartik Tyagi

Kartik Tyagi, who had impressed with his raw pace and in-swingers in the group stage encounters against Japan and New Zealand in the ICC U19 World Cup in South Africa, gave an account of how lethal he can be in the quarterfinal match against Australia at Potchefstroom on Tuesday. The former Indian bowler Praveen Kumar, however, knew all about the potential of 18-year-old Tyagi even before he had burst onto the scene.

Riding on fighting half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Atharva Ankolekar followed by a superb bowling spell from pacer Tyagi, India U19 beat Australia by 74 runs to move into the semifinals of the U19 Cricket World Cup.

Chasing India’s 233/9, Australia could only manage 159 as the India colts celebrated a famous hard-fought victory. Australia’s chase of 234 was off to the worst possible start as they lost three wickets in the very first over.

First to go was opener Jake Fraser-McGurk (0), who was run-out off the 1st ball bowled by Kartik Tyagi owing to a miscommunication with his partner Sam Fanning.

Tyagi then trapped captain Mackenzie Harvey (4) off his 4th delivery before castling Lachlan Hearne on the next ball.

U-19 World Cup 2020: Praveen Kumar lauds Kartik Tyagi:

Kumar recalls the day three years ago when Meerut coach Vipin Vats, who had groomed him and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, asked him to see a lanky 16-year old boy bowl in the nets at Victoria Park.

Kumar remembers Tyagi’s long run-up, the high-arm action, and the ability to consistently beat the batsmen.

“Ek dum Paka Hua bowler (fully seasoned), even then,” Praveen Kumar was quoted as saying by Indian Express.On a flat track, he was at another level from other bowlers. He was swinging the ball at will and with pace. I felt yeh ladka bheed mein na gum ho jaye. (hope this boy doesn’t get lost in the crowd). That’s why I called Raina.” Kumar said.

All in all, it was a brilliant show from Tyagi on the other day, which he will cherish for a long time.

Currently, he is at fifth spot in the leading wicket-takers chart with nine wickets while his teammate Ravi Bishnoi is at the top alongside Shafiqullah with 11 wickets each.

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