5 players from 2018 U-19 World Cup squad who couldn’t justify their talents

5 players from 2018 U-19 World Cup squad who couldn’t justify their talents

India's 2018 U-19 World Cup Team

The Indian team is the most successful side at the under-19 level all over the world. Starting from 2000, the ‘Men in Blue’ have clinched as many as four World Cup titles in this age group category, more than any other country.

Talking about the last edition of the Under-19 World Cup, India beat Australia single-handedly by eight wickets in the final match under the captaincy of Prithvi Shaw. However, not all players from that side were able to break through to the senior national team despite their brilliant performance in the tournament.

Now, let’s look at the top five players from the 2018 U-19 World Cup squad who couldn’t justify their talents:

Manjot Kalra

Opening batter Manjot Kalra became the talk of the town with his stellar century in the ultimate game of the tournament against the mighty Aussies. He was even picked by Delhi Capitals (DC) but failed to get any opportunity. Moreover, he was later caught by a special Investigations unit of the Delhi Police due to age fraudulent issues. 

Riyan Parag

Batting all-rounder Riyan Parag didn’t gain much limelight before he was bought by Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL. The youngster showed a bit of spark in the initial matches but failed to leave a significant mark with his performance. He regularly kept moving in and out from the playing XI.

Also Read | The U-19 World Cup-winning team of 2012: Where are they now?

Kamlesh Nagarkoti

Indian speedsters stole the show at the 2018 Under-19 WC with their sheer pace throughout the tournament and Kamlesh Nagarkoti was the top name amongst them. He bagged nine wickets in six matches and later, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) picked him at the auction. But he didn’t get a lot of opportunities owing to inconsistency and regular injuries.

Harvik Desai

Saurashtra’s Harvik Desai was India’s wicket-keeper at the World Cup who smashed the winning runs in the final match. The 22-year-old is currently a regular feature in his domestic team’s lineup but not even in the reckoning when it comes to the national side. He made his First-Class debut for Saurashtra in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy and his maiden ton came during the QF match.

Anukul Roy

Anukul Roy was the leading wicket-taker at the 2018 U-19 WC as he claimed as many as 14 wickets in just six outings. He averaged just over nine at brilliant economy rate and strike rate of 3.84 and 14.1 respectively. He was later picked up by the five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) but failed to make his debut in the cash-rich league.

Also Read | 5 U-19 players who might get an IPL contract in 2022