INDIA have a special connection with the Under-19 cricket World Cup. For the world, it might be a junior-level sports tournament but for India it is a feeder-line from where future stars have found their way into the collective consciousness of cricket’s fans. It is a tournament India have almost managed to make its own. It was proved yet again in Harare, Zimbabwe when the young colts dominated the entire tournament to bring home a record 6th U-19 World Cup. The tournament saw a rare Blue domination which carries healthy portends for Indian cricket at the senior level. India’s ruthless stroll in junior cricket was exemplified in the best manner in the final when England were left battered and bruised by opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s astonishing onslaught. It was, in a way, the Indian way of telling the cricket world that the country possesses a rare arsenal in world cricket and the others have a lot of catching up to do. The 411 score India piled on the back of Sooryavanshi’s out-of-the-world 175 runs knock was a message to the cricketing fraternity that from boys to men, Team India have the men on mission with a battle-ready attitude.

 

In the end, the final against England was made to look like a hopelessly one-sided affair. It is the trait of a champion team which goes for the jugular when on top. This is the attitude of world-beaters, and the Indian colts definitely owned the tournament as conquerors of the world. The best part about India’s 6th U-19 World Cup title is its path was not built on individual brilliance alone. A sustained team effort paved the way for the Young Turks as players took their turns to come to the party when the team needed it the most. Suryavanshi was the fulcrum of batting but there were occasions when he could not do much. On such occasions, others like Vihaan Malhotra, R S Ambrish or Abhigyan Kundu put their hands up to bail India out. Henil Patel’s devastating spell and the spinners’ timely contribution weaved a potent combination as India remained unbeaten in the entire tournament.

 

The record title win has sounded the arrival of a generation that flourishes under pressure and remains unwavering in their pursuit for glory. In fact, it has remained the story of the U-19 World Cup for Team India. The tournament has given the country stars like Yuvraj Singh, Mohd Kaif, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and a whole lot who are at service of the senior team these days in all formats. The ICC event is an investment for the BCCI which has always given it rich dividends. However, the biggest gain from this victory has remained understated. The entire campaign was monitored by batting great VVS Laxman. As coach of the young team, the legendary player took the youngsters under his wings and imparted them some valuable lessons in creating a fighting culture. In his playing days, Laxman was the epitome of a fighter. He has taken those values to the youngsters and it was evident in the manner India carved fightbacks in this tournament. A stint with players like Laxman and Rahul Dravid makes young players learn the value of ethics. For the Under-19 World Champions, this company of Laxman will be the biggest gift to take home.