India has once again etched its name in history by clinching a record sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup title. The triumph came on the back of a blistering 175-run knock from opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi against England in the final. At just 14 years and 319 days old, Suryavanshi is a prodigy whose future looks brighter than ever. However, a strict BCCI regulation means he won’t defend the crown in the next edition, even though he’ll still be under 17.
The rule in question was introduced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2016. It explicitly prohibits any player from participating in more than one Under-19 World Cup. The objective? To broaden the talent pool and provide international exposure to as many young cricketers as possible, ensuring the pipeline to senior cricket remains robust and diverse.
Before this policy took effect, a select group of five Indian players had the rare distinction of featuring in two U19 World Cups. These cricketers not only represented the nation twice but also paved their paths to bigger stages. Let’s take a closer look at their journeys.
Ravindra Jadeja, the all-round superstar, played in 2006 and captained by Virat Kohli in 2008, where India lifted the trophy. His versatility has since made him a cornerstone of the Indian team across formats.
Pacer Sandeep Sharma shone in 2010 and 2012 tournaments. He transitioned seamlessly to the IPL and even earned two T20I caps for the senior side, showcasing his raw pace and skill.
Vijay Zol led India in 2014 after playing in 2012. Though his personal stats were modest—29 runs in three IPL games at an average of 14.5—he gained invaluable experience captaining at the highest junior level.
Avesh Khan had a brief stint in 2014 before exploding in 2016 with 12 wickets in six matches. His domestic form has kept him in contention for senior selection.
Suryakumar Yadav’s teammate Sarfaraz Khan dazzled with his batting in 2014 and 2016. Rewarded with IPL opportunities and a Test debut, his consistency in domestic cricket speaks volumes.
Ricky Bhui also featured in those two editions but struggled to make a mark. The rule change has ensured that fresh faces like Suryavanshi get their shot without repeat appearances clogging the pathway.
This policy underscores BCCI’s commitment to nurturing depth in Indian cricket. While it bittersweetly sidelines young stars early, it promises a brighter, more competitive future for the sport in the country.