The under 19 cricket world cup is a prestigious tournament that showcases the talent and potential of the young cricketers from around the world. Many of the current stars of international cricket have emerged from this platform, such as Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul. However, not every successful cricketer has played in the under 19 world cup. Some of them have missed out on this opportunity due to various reasons, but have still managed to make a mark in the senior level. Here are some of the examples of such cricketers who didn’t play in the under 19 world cup, but have achieved great success in their careers.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni is arguably the most successful captain and wicket-keeper batsman in the history of Indian cricket. He has led India to two world cup titles, a Champions Trophy title, and a number one ranking in all formats. He has also been a prolific run-scorer and a finisher par excellence. However, Dhoni never played for India in the under 19 world cup. He missed out on the 2000 edition, where India won the title under Mohammad Kaif. Dhoni made his first-class debut for Bihar in 1999, and scored 84 in the final of the Cooch Behar Trophy, but it was not enough to impress the selectors. He had to wait for four more years to get his maiden India call-up, after performing well for India A and in domestic cricket. He made his international debut in 2004, and soon established himself as one of the best in the business.
R Ashwin
R Ashwin is one of the leading spinners in the world, and has been a match-winner for India in test matches. He has taken over 500 wickets across formats, and has also scored five test centuries. He has been a part of two world cup winning squads, and has also played in the IPL and other T20 leagues. However, Ashwin did not play in the under 19 world cup, as he was not sure about his role in the team. He started his career as an opening batsman, and also bowled part-time off-spin. He played for India under 17 as a batsman, but was dropped later. He then focused on his bowling, and became a regular for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy. He made his international debut in 2010, and soon became India’s premier spinner in all formats.
Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya is one of the most explosive all-rounders in the world, and has been a vital cog for India in limited overs cricket. He has the ability to hit big sixes, bowl fast, and field brilliantly. He has played in two world cups, and has also been a star performer for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. However, Pandya did not play in the under 19 world cup, as he was not considered good enough by the selectors. He played for Baroda in the junior level, and once scored 228 in an under 16 match, but it did not catch the attention of the selectors. He had to prove himself in the domestic circuit, and also in the IPL, where he was picked by Mumbai Indians in 2015. He made his international debut in 2016, and soon became a regular in the Indian team.
Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is arguably one of the best fast bowlers in the world right now. He has a unique bowling action, a lethal yorker, and a variety of skills that make him a threat in all formats.However, Bumrah never played for India in the U-19 World Cup. He was not picked for the 2012 edition, which India won under Unmukt Chand. He made his first-class debut for Gujarat in 2013, and caught the attention of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. He made his international debut in 2016, and since then, he has been a regular in the Indian team.
Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambir is a former opener and captain of the Indian cricket team, who played a crucial role in India’s two World Cup triumphs in 2007 and 2011. He was a prolific run-scorer in all formats, and formed a formidable opening partnership with Virender Sehwag. He was also a successful captain of Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, where he led them to two titles. Gambhir never played in the under 19 world cup, as he was overlooked for the 2000 edition, despite scoring heavily in domestic cricket. He made his first-class debut for Delhi in 1999, and impressed the selectors with his technique and temperament. He made his international debut in 2003, and has since scored 10324 runs in 242 matches across formats.
These are some of the examples of the cricketers who did not play in the under 19 world cup, but have still achieved great success in their careers. They have shown that playing in the under 19 world cup is not the only way to make it to the top level, and that hard work, talent, and perseverance can also take one to the heights of glory.
