5 Indian Players Awarded U-19 World Cup Player of the Tournament

Under-19 cricket acts as a crucial gateway for young cricketers aspiring to excel at the international level. The under-19 World Cups offer a prime platform for talented prospects to exhibit their skills on a global scale. India's team currently holds the record for the most under-19 World Cup triumphs, clinching the title five times.

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Several Indian cricket legends kickstarted their illustrious careers in this prestigious tournament. These legends before stepping into the senior team were also the stars at the Under 19 World Cup for India in their respective representative year. Let us look at five Indian cricketers who were awarded the prestigious Player of the Tournament award at Under 19 World Cups;

Yuvraj Singh (Under 19 WC 2000)

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Yuvraj Singh's stellar performance in the under-19 World Cup earned him the inaugural 'Player of the Tournament' award. Despite a slow start, he showcased his all-round skills, scoring 203 runs and taking 12 wickets. Notable highlights include his 68 runs and 4 wickets against New Zealand, and a blitzkrieg 58 runs against Australia in the semi-final.

The legendary India all-rounder also impressed with 4 wickets against Nepal and a crucial 36 runs against England. In the final against Sri Lanka, he contributed 27 runs as India secured their first under-19 World Cup title. Yuvraj's ability to perform in crucial matches earned him the accolade, showcasing his potential as a future star of Indian cricket.

Shikhar Dhawan (Under 19 WC 2004)

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Shikhar Dhawan's stellar display in the 2004 under-19 World Cup elevated his status as a promising talent in Indian cricket. His phenomenal tally of 505 runs at an average of 84.16 and a strike rate of 93.51 earned him the prestigious 'Player of the Tournament' accolade, making him the second Indian to achieve this honour in under-19 World Cup history.

Dhawan's impact was evident from the outset, with a commanding unbeaten 155-run knock against Scotland in the group stage. He followed it up with a brilliant century against Bangladesh, crucial for India's success. Throughout the tournament, Dhawan showcased his batting prowess with key innings, including a stellar 146 against Sri Lanka in the Super League stage. However, his run-scoring momentum was halted in the semi-final against Pakistan, where he was dismissed cheaply.

 Despite India's semi-final exit, Dhawan's consistent performance, highlighted by three centuries, significantly contributed to the team's campaign. His ability to anchor innings and score runs freely made him stand out. Overall, Dhawan's outstanding batting earned him the 'Player of the Tournament' award, affirming his potential as a future star of Indian cricket. His remarkable feat laid the groundwork for a successful career, foreshadowing his rise to prominence in international cricket.

Cheteshwar Pujara (Under 19 WC 2006)

Cheteshwar Pujara emerged as the standout performer in the 2006 under-19 World Cup, securing the 'Player of the Tournament' award with his stellar batting displays. As an opener for India, Pujara amassed 349 runs at an extraordinary average of 116.33, showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the tournament. His campaign began with impressive unbeaten innings of 66 and 47 against Namibia and Scotland, respectively, setting the tone for India's dominance in the group stage.

Despite a minor setback against Sri Lanka, India's victory secured their spot in the quarter-finals, where Pujara's crucial 97-run knock guided India to a commanding win over the West Indies. Pujara's defining moment came in the semi-final clash against England, where he played a sensational unbeaten innings of 129, propelling India to a formidable total and paving the way for a comprehensive victory. However, India faltered in the final against Pakistan, failing to chase down a modest target as Pujara fell early without making an impact.

Despite the final loss, Pujara's remarkable contributions throughout the tournament, particularly in the knockout stages, earned him the prestigious 'Player of the Tournament' accolade, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in Indian cricket.

Shubman Gill (Under 19 WC 2018)

In the 2018 under-19 World Cup, Shubman Gill emerged as a standout performer for India, earning the prestigious 'Player of the Tournament' award. Gill's exceptional batting prowess was evident throughout the tournament, as he amassed 372 runs, making him India's top run-scorer.

Beyond the sheer volume of runs, Gill's remarkable consistency and elegant stroke play captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. With an average of 124.00 and a strike rate of 112.38, he showcased his ability to dominate opposition bowlers. Gill commenced the tournament with a brilliant innings of 63 runs against Australia, contributing significantly to India's comprehensive victory. His sublime form continued in subsequent matches, including an unbeaten 90 against Zimbabwe and a crucial knock of 86 in the quarter-finals against Bangladesh.

However, it was in the semi-final clash against Pakistan that Gill truly shone, crafting an unbeaten century (102 runs) and guiding India to a resounding victory. Despite a modest contribution in the final against Australia, his partnership with Manjot Kalra proved pivotal in India's triumph. Overall, Gill's stellar performances throughout the tournament, marked by consistency and maturity beyond his years, established him as a rising star in Indian cricket. His ability to deliver under pressure and contribute significantly to India's success underscored his potential as a future stalwart in the sport.

Yashaswi Jaiswal (Under 19 WC 2020)

Yashasvi Jaiswal's exceptional performance in the 2020 under-19 World Cup earned him the prestigious 'Player of the Tournament' award. The Mumbai batsman amassed 400 runs at a remarkable average of 133.33, showcasing his batting prowess and all-round capabilities.

Jaiswal's campaign began with a solid knock of 59 runs against Sri Lanka, followed by crucial contributions in subsequent matches. Notably, his unbeaten innings against Japan and New Zealand helped India secure victories and progress to the quarter-finals. In the knockout stages, Jaiswal's stellar form continued as he played pivotal roles in India's triumphs over Australia and arch-rivals Pakistan. His unbeaten century in the semi-finals highlighted his batting prowess, while his crucial wicket of Haider Ali showcased his bowling skills.

Despite a valiant effort in the finals against Bangladesh, where he scored 88 runs, India fell short of victory. Nonetheless, Jaiswal's consistent performances with both bat and ball throughout the tournament earned him the 'Player of the Tournament' accolade, cementing his reputation as a promising talent in Indian cricket.