In the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, the calm and composed demeanor displayed by India’s U19 captain, Uday Saharan, during a tense semi-final chase against South Africa has earned him high praise from veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin, impressed by Saharan’s match-winning abilities, particularly lauded his serene approach in leading the team to victory.
Saharan, leading by example, emerged as the standout performer, guiding India to the final with a stellar knock of 81 runs in the crucial semi-final encounter against South Africa. Ashwin, speaking on Saharan’s remarkable composure under pressure, emphasized the significance of his contribution in securing triumphs for the team.
India’s consistent excellence in the U19 World Cup is set to continue as they prepare to face Australia in the final on February 11. This is their fifth consecutive final. This anticipated clash marks the third finals meeting between India and Australia. India emerged on the winning side in 2012 and 2018.
Ashwin, acknowledging Saharan’s impactful presence in the tournament, shared his admiration during a discussion on his YouTube channel. He highlighted Saharan’s exceptional match-winning prowess and compared him to Rinku Singh.
“In this World Cup, Uday Saharan is already being hailed as the standout discovery. He’s not only the team’s top run-scorer but also the first captain to achieve this feat. What impresses me the most is not just his runs but his knack for winning matches and the calm composure he displays while playing. It’s reminiscent of Rinku Singh, as I mentioned recently. This quality is something money can’t buy, Uday Saharan possesses it inherently. His quiet assurance, calm demeanor, and confident nature set him apart,” he said.
The defending champions solidified their quest for a title defense with a thrilling victory over South Africa in the crucial semis. Saharan led the charge with a crucial partnership alongside Sachin Dhas. The young pair rescued India from a precarious position at 32/4 while chasing a target of 245 runs. As Dhas assumed the role of aggressor, Saharan provided stability, anchoring the innings with poise.
Despite the pressure mounting, Saharan maintained his composure as wickets fell around him. His resilience was evident as he steered India towards victory. Saharan’s instrumental role in the semi-final victory earned him the Player of the Match.
Currently, Saharan leads the tournament’s run-scoring charts with an impressive tally of 389 runs from 6 matches. His performance showcases his consistency and value to the Indian U19 team.
As India gears up for yet another title showdown, Saharan’s composed leadership and match-winning abilities remain integral to their aspirations of lifting the coveted trophy once again.