Every two years the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup presents a great opportunity for youngsters around the world to showcase their talent in front of cricket watching public. The current tournament happening in NewZealand is one such opportunity again.
From India”s point of view, it”s a chance for young domestic talent from here to produce performances that can get them to go forward in the ladder of the system.
Rahul Dravid India”s coach of the current lot laid down a rule after the last tournament that any player can only play one such U-19 World Cup to keep the talent flow going and make the youngsters focussed on making their chances count.
Hence every bunch exhibits a new lot and new talent for us to see, one such talent is Kamlesh Nagarkoti, the right arm fast bowler.
In India”s first game versus Australia yesterday, Nagarkoti was seen bowling really quick along with his bowling partner Mavi. Both were considerably clicking above 140kmph. One ball from Nagarkoti recorded at 149kmph as well.
It was amazing to see a youngster who is basically not even 19 years old yet to be considerably bowling above 85 miles per hour, it was really fascinating viewing.
Nagarkoti might just have missed this tournament as well if the injury attained on that U-19 tour to England in last June had aggravated. He had to work really hard at the National Cricket Academy over his fitness again to be fine-tuned for this tournament.
Watching him bowl with great intensity and smashing the stumps to pick those wickets and help India win their first game of the tournament against Australia in overseas conditions must be very satisfying for him and his much-reputed head coach Rahul Dravid.
Rahul had requested for early traveling for this competition to the BCCI, as per which they arranged a preparation and conditioning camp in Brisbane.
Which really helped India”s cricketers and especially fast bowlers as was seen yesterday, Nagarkoti was not just quick in the air and off the deck, he coupled these assets with impeccable accuracy.
Indian Cricket would hope that such youngsters keep moving forward with their games and keep learning.
– by Kashish Chadha
