Chennai: Virat Kohli did it in 2008 followed by Unmukt Chand in 2012 and will it now be the turn of Vijay Zol in 2014? The U-19 World Cup is hardly a month away and reigning champs India would settle for nothing less than top prize.
Coach Bharat Arun who was in charge of the team when Unmukt Chand and Co went all the way down under two years ago is once again entrusted with the job of being the man to guide the young forces to success. The members of the team are currently in a preparatory camp at Bengaluru under the watchful eyes of Arun. “The focus of the camp is to bring clarity to the roles of each and every player in the side. It is about being cohesive right throughout. There is great talent within the group and I’m confident that the boys would bring it to the fore,” said Arun.
Two players from the current lot were part of the successful 2012 WC team — captain Zol and Akhil Herwadkar. Arun said that their experience matters a lot in the dressing room when it comes to handling pressure.
The fact that the WC is being played in the UAE where the side under Zol defeated arch-rivals Pakistan to lift the U-19 Asia Cup earlier this month gives India an edge.
“The UAE?conditions are familiar to us. Having done well there, our players are confident. We are assessing the areas where we need to improve so that we give ourselves the best chance to succeed,” said the 51-year-old.
“The U-19 side have tasted only success in all the series they have played so far. This will keep them motivated to push themselves further. Another thing is that the core of the team have played together for a while and they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” he added.
Players such as Zol and Sanju Samson, wicketkeeper batsman from Kerala who has become the mainstay of Rajasthan Royals, have been in red-hot form in the domestic circuit and have become household names. Does that mean the onus is on them to deliver the goods?
“They are undoubtedly match-winners. Their performance is vital for the team but it is not just about them. Cricket is a team game and there are a lot of youngsters in the side who have performed brilliantly to make the cut. The bowling department — spin and pace — looks in good shape,” said the former India cricketer.
According to Arun, the tag of champions “isn’t weighing heavily on the team’s shoulders”. “We have our plans in place. The process is to follow them rather than thinking about the outcome,” added Arun.
