Every teenage cricketer out their dreams to represent their country in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup is the first step of youngsters towards their success in international cricket. The first ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup was held back in 1988 as the Youth World Cup and Australia won that edition. Also, the first edition only had four teams. Meanwhile, all the other subsequent editions had sixteen teams. Notably, India is the most successful team with 4 World Cup victories under their belt followed by Australia (3), Pakistan (2), and Bangladesh, England, South Africa, and the West Indies one each.
Many successful cricketers like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Ben Stokes, Steve Smith, Ravindra Jadeja, and many others started their careers going through the Under-19 World Cup event. The U-19 World Cup takes place every two years so a 16-year-old can get the opportunity to represent the national team in two World Cups.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) no longer allows players to participate in multiple Under-19 World Cup events. However, previously it was allowed and some Indians played two ICC Under-19 World Cups, In this article, we have a look at 5 of them.
#5. Avesh Khan
The star Delhi Capitals pacer Avesh Khan has been earning a lot of praise from cricket fans and pundits for his sensational performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Notably, in the first phase of IPL 2021, he picked 14 wickets at an average of 16.50 and an Economy of 7.70.
Notably, Avesh Khan has been part of the Under-19 World Cup 2014 and Under-19 World Cup 2016. He played only 2 matches in 2014 and picked 1 scalp. However, in the 2016 U-19 World Cup, the speedster played six games and bagged 12 wickets.
#4. Ricky Bhui
Indian batsman Ricky Bhui has represented the national side in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2014 and Under-19 World Cup 2016. Ricky Bhui played a total of four games in the 2014 World Cup and scored 15 runs at a poor average of 3.75.
Meanwhile, he was once again provided the slot in the 2016 U-19 World Cup in which he scored only 47 runs in three matches.
#3. Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan is popularly known for his amazing performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The management found him so impressive that they decided to retain the youngster alongside Virat Kohli and Ab De Villiers in 2018.
So far Sarfaraz has played two Under-19 World Cups for India, first in 2014 and the second one in 2016. Also, he was exceptional with the bat in both the world cup competitions.
#2. Vijay Zol
The Indian batsman Vijay Zol was featured in ICC U-19 World Cup 2012 and ICC Under-19 World Cup 2014. In the 2012 U-19 World Cup he played six games and scored 151 runs. In the 2014 U-19 World Cup he scored 120 runs in 5 matches at an average of 24.
Notably, India was victorious in the 2012 edition of the World Cup. He also has been part of the famous Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
#1. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is currently India’s best all-rounder and overall one of the best all-format all-rounders in the World. He possesses extremely good bowling skills alongside sensational batting skills. Also, Sir Jadeja is considered one of the best fielders of all time. The spin bowling all-rounder is a complete three-dimensional player. Ravindra Jadeja has represented India in ICC U-19 World Cup 2006 and 2008.
In 2006 he played alongside champion opener Rohit Sharma and reached the finals. Meanwhile, In 2008 he played with Indian skipper Virat Kohli and ended up winning the marquee tournament.