5 India U19 star cricketers who failed to build on their initial success
The U19 cricket development program forms an integral part of any nation’s overall cricketing development structure. It is after all the vital pipeline which identifies and supplies the next generation of players who can take forward a nation’s rich cricketing legacy. On the other hand, the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup is a prominent event where a U19 cricketer can earmark itself from his peers thus unveiling its potential at a mega stage. But what’s really interesting is the journey which begins from this point where donning the national jersey cannot be everyone’s cup of tea. Here are 5 India U19 star cricketers who totally faded away.
5. Unmukt Chand
Unmukt Chand was one of the most cherished U-19 cricketers when India lifted the U19 trophy back in 2012. His remarkable consistency was the talking point as he ended up being the highest run-getter. With such a display of sheer promise, some estimated him as the next big thing of Indian cricket which also propelled him to an IPL contract with Delhi Daredevils in 2011. Unfortunately, then the promise kept fading away as after IPL 2015 he was never picked. His performances in the first-class and domestic level aren’t prominent anymore and with his age being a barrier, Chand’s chances of donning the national jersey look uncertain.
4. Baba Aparajith
Here’s another batting-all rounder who had made headlines from the 2012 U-19 World Cup. His performance against Pakistan in the quarter-final was a noticeable one and overall he scored runs at an average of 28.5. Soon, he became a regular member of India A and also in Tamil Nadu’s batting order. Overall in 70 first-class matches, he has scored around 3660 runs with an average of 39.35. Occasionally, he was bought by CSK and RPS in 2013 and 2016 but is yet to make his debut. However, his recent form doesn’t make him a potential India prospect.
3. Vijay Zol
Vijay Zol had represented India in 2012 and 2014 U19 World Cup editions where he failed to make his mark. However, he made headlines while scoring a hundred on his India A debut. Another double hundred on Ranji debut did allow him to get some recognition which helped him to earn his IPL contract with Rajasthan Royals but has only played three IPL matches so far. His first-class performances aren’t that pleasing and might have pushed him in a corner.
2. Ricky Bhui
A top-order batsman from Madhya Pradesh did play for India in 2014 and 2016 U19 World Cup where he had an impressive run and soon became part of Andra Pradesh’s domestic team. One of his remarkable feats was when he scored a hundred off 79 balls on debut. Soon, he made headlines when became part of SRH squad in 2014 but hardly could make his name. Bhui so far hasn’t lived up to its promise and has to work much harder for his India cap.
1. Taruwar Kohli
Let’s relive Taruwar Kohli’s 5⃣9⃣-ball 9⃣0⃣-run blitz during the @paytm #MushtaqAliT20 trophy. ??
Video ? https://t.co/vmb6SqT63S pic.twitter.com/Aq2eeD7VKY
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) May 8, 2020
Here’s another Kohli apart from Virat who was responsible for the 2008 U19 World Cup win as he had averaged 43.60 with the bat. Sooner, he played for Punjab and became well known for his astonishing score of 300*. He was also part of Rajasthan Royals squad in 2008. However, with his age crossing 30 his India aspirations do look elusive.
