Virat Kohli Picks Kane Williamson As The Standout Performer From 2008 U-19 World Cup

The ICC U-19 World Cup has been a breeding ground for many talented cricketers who first emerged on the international scene in this competition. Once such cricketer was Virat Kohli, who went onto lead India and become the most prolific run-scorer of his generation and break almost every record possible.

Kohli led the team from the front to help India U-19 lift the title beating South Africa in a competitive final. Notably, Ravindra Jadeja was also a part of the squad who is currently one of the best all-rounders in the business. Recollecting his memories on the brisk of another such U-19 World Cup, Virat Kohli picked New Zealand’s Kane Williamson as the standout performer from that tournament.

U-19 World Cup is close to my heart – Virat Kohli

Hailing his abilities, Kohli stated that Williamson was very different from others. India had played a nail-biting semifinal against New Zealand.

“I remember playing against Kane (Williamson). He was someone who always stood out in the team, his batting ability was very different from the other players who were around. It is good to know that so many people from that batch, like Kane and Steve Smith, have played for their respective countries,” Kohli was quoted as saying in a media release by the ICC.

Furthermore, Virat Kohli stressed on the importance of the U-19 World Cup on a player’s career. The No. 1 batsman in Tests and ODIs said that this tournament holds a very special place in his heart.

“The ICC U19 World Cup was a very important milestone in my career,” said Kohli, who made 235 runs at an average of 47 in 2008. It helped us get a good platform to build on and make our careers from thereon, so it holds a very important place in my mind and heart. It is very important to understand and respect the opportunity it provides to you, Kohli concluded.