Double Trouble: Cricketers Who Took the Field for India Twice in U19 World Cups

In India, there is no shortage of talent, especially in sports. In this country, cricket is nothing less than a religion. Every other budding cricketer’s dream is to represent India and play like Dhoni, Kohli and Sachin. To fulfill the dream, the first dream tournament of every teenage cricketer is to represent India in the U-19 World Cup. this is the first step to enter into international cricket. The first U-19 World Cup was held in 1988 and Australia won the first trophy. India is the most successful team in the U-19 World Cup.

Cricketers like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and many others came to the international exposure. In 2008, Virat Kohli won the World Cup and the rest is history. However, as per the new rules, a player can take part in a single edition of the U-19 World Cup. But there are some players in the past who have played two editions of the U-19 World Cup. In this article, we will explore those players. 

1. Avesh Khan:

The right-arm pacer from Madhya Pradesh, Avesh Khan, represented India U19 in both 2014 and 2016. In 2014, he played a couple of matches against Pakistan and Scotland. However, his real breakthrough came in the 2016 U19 World Cup, where he emerged as India’s top wicket-taker with 12 wickets in 6 matches. Avesh participated in the U19 World Cup in 2014 and 2016, playing only 2 matches in 2014 and taking 1 wicket. In the 2016 edition, he played six games and impressively claimed 12 wickets, showcasing his talent as a promising fast bowler.

2. Sarfaraz Khan:

The Mumbai-based dynamic right-handed batsman, Sarfaraz, showcased his talent in the 2014 and 2016 U19 World Cups. In 2014, he impressed as one of the standout young players, scoring 211 runs in six matches at an average of 70. Continuing his stellar performance, Sarfaraz became India’s leading run-scorer in the 2016 World Cup, accumulating 355 runs in six matches. He has participated in two U19 World Cups for India, making a mark with exceptional batting performances in both editions, displaying his prowess as a promising cricketer on the rise.

3. Vijay Zol:

The stylish left-handed batsman, Vijay Zol, holds the distinction of playing in two U19 World Cups for India. He was part of the victorious team in 2012 and captained the side in 2014, though the latter ended in disappointment with India crashing out in the Semifinals. Zol was selected by RCB in 2012 and 2014 but struggled to make an impact. Despite getting some game time in 2014, he couldn’t capitalize on the opportunities. Since then, he hasn’t been picked by any IPL franchise. In the 2012 U19 World Cup, Zol played six games, scoring 151 runs. In the 2014 edition, he scored 120 runs in 5 matches at an average of 24.

4. Ricky Bhui:

Ricky Bhui, the right-handed batsman, holds the distinction of being the sole player from Madhya Pradesh to represent India U19 twice in World Cups, featuring in 2014 and 2016. Despite his participation, his lackluster performances in both editions hindered his regular spot in the playing eleven. Currently playing for Andhra Pradesh in domestic cricket, he was auctioned by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹20 Lakh in the 2018 IPL, but his struggles with form resulted in him losing his place. In the 2014 U19 World Cup, Bhui played four games, managing only 15 runs at a disappointing average of 3.75. In 2016, he contributed 47 runs in three matches.

5. Akhil Herwadkar:

The left-handed batsman from Maharashtra, Akhil Herwadkar, represented India U19 in 2012 and 2014. While he didn’t get a chance to play in India’s victorious 2012 World Cup, he saw some game time in 2014, scoring 130 runs in 6 matches at an average of 21.22. Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) signed him for ₹10 Lakh in the 2016 IPL Auction, but he couldn’t secure a spot in the playing eleven and was eventually released. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been picked by any IPL franchise in auctions since then, facing challenges in finding a spot in the competitive league.

6. Harmeet Singh 

Harmeet participated in the U19 World Cups of 2010 and 2012, with his standout performance as a slow left-arm orthodox bowler playing a crucial role in India’s victory in 2012. He claimed 6 wickets in 4 matches with an impressive economy rate of 3.02. Subsequently, he joined the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2013 but faced controversy in the Spot Fixing Saga. Though investigated by BCCI, he was later cleared. Unfortunately, since then, Harmeet has not been selected by any IPL franchise.

7. Sandeep Sharma:

Sandeep Sharma is a familiar name in the cricket world. The right-arm swing bowler from Punjab, Sandeep Sharma, represented India U19 in 2010 and 2012. In the 2012 U19 World Cup, he emerged as India’s top wicket-taker with 12 wickets in 6 matches, playing a pivotal role in the team’s victory. Sandeep has proven to be an underrated bowler in the IPL, notably dismissing Virat Kohli seven times, the most by any bowler in the tournament. Starting his IPL career with Kings XI Punjab, he was later picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad for a substantial three crore rupees in the 2018 IPL auction, marking a significant career milestone.

8. Ravindra Jadeja:

This name sounds shocking. But India’s spin sensation participated in two editions of the U-19 World Cup. His remarkable bowling and batting skills, coupled with exceptional fielding, make him a three-dimensional player. Jadeja, known as Sir Jadeja, represented India in the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2006 and 2008. In 2006, alongside Rohit Sharma, they reached the finals but lost to Pakistan. The 2008 World Cup saw him teaming up with Virat Kohli, securing the championship by defeating South Africa in a shortened final, thus redeeming the earlier loss. Jadeja’s journey reflects his pivotal role in India’s cricketing success across formats.

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