Brighter days ahead

The popularity of cricket witnessed a manic surge in India following the team's triumph in the 1983 World Cup, led by a defiant Kapil Dev. People cherish every sport when it brings pride to the country on world stages. India's victory in the Under-19 Men's World Cup in Zimbabwe the other day is a story of India's total suzerainty over the 'gentleman's game'. 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, hailed as the future hope of Indian cricket, made it to a global name through this tournament.

The Indian team, led by Ayush Mhatre, won the title without losing a single match. India defeated a strong Kiwi side to advance to the semi-finals and defeated England in the final. The victory in the final was by 100 runs. The total raised by India in the final was 411/9, the highest of the tournament. Vaibhav, who scored 175 runs in 80 balls, including 15 fours and 15 sixes, spearheaded the batting fireworks. Captain Ayush Mhatre (53), Abhigyan Kundu (40), Kanishk Chauhan (37), Vedant Trivedi (32), and Vihan Malhotra (30) also contributed. In reply, England attempted a coup, but the sudden fall of wickets despite a good batting average proved to be a setback. What England lacked was a good partnership as they were all out for 311 in 40.2 overs. Ambareesh, who took three wickets, and Deepesh Devendra and Kanishk Chauhan, who took two wickets each, settled matters in style.

Vaibhav Suryavamshi, adjudged Player of the Tournament and Player of the Final, had his best performance so far. Vaibhav Suryavamshi scored 439 runs in seven matches, including a century and three half-centuries. Suryavanshi has the highest individual score in the history of ICC tournament finals. He also broke his own record for most sixes in a single innings in a youth ODI.

Kerala can also be proud that Malayalees like Aaron George and Mohammed Enaan were part of world cup winning squad. Born in Kottayam, Aaron grew up in Hyderabad. He scored 170 runs in five matches, including a century in the semi-final. Enaan played only against New Zealand. He took one wicket.

This is India's sixth Under-19 Men's World Cup title, the most by any nation. They previously won it in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022. Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli reached the senior level in light of their excellent performances in the Under-19 World Cups. This crowning victory in Zimbabwe is proof of overflowing talents in the sport and brighter days ahead.