Unmukt Chand Urges India's 2026 U-19 Champions to Embrace Patience on Their Cricket Journey
India's recent triumph in the Under-19 World Cup against England was a moment of immense pride, built on composure and conviction. However, former U-19 World Cup-winning captain Unmukt Chand believes that for the class of 2026, the real challenge begins now, as the celebrations fade into memory.
A Reminder of the Road Ahead
For Chand, who led India to the U-19 World Cup title in 2012, this victory brought back nostalgic memories but also served as a stark reminder of what lies ahead for these young players. Drawing from his own experiences, Chand emphasized the critical importance of patience as they transition beyond age-group cricket into the competitive world of senior-level play.
"This Under-19 World Cup win is a very special moment for these boys," Chand stated in an interview with JioHotstar. "But it will take time for things to settle down. My advice is to stay patient. People want you to play senior cricket for the country immediately, but it can be a bumpy road."
Key Advice for the Young Stars
Chand urged the players to maintain their composure through the inevitable highs and lows, continue putting in the hard work, and stay passionate about the game, even if opportunities do not come immediately. "Not everyone will play for the country," he acknowledged. "But stay hungry. Good things will happen."
He highlighted that the journey from junior to senior cricket is often unpredictable and requires resilience, as success at the U-19 level does not guarantee a smooth path to the national team.
Reflecting on the Final Victory
In the final match, India out-batted England decisively, with Vaibhav Suryavanshi's stunning innings of 175 runs propelling the team to a formidable total of 411. England put up a respectable fight but ultimately crumbled under the pressure, losing by 100 runs. This victory marked India's sixth U-19 World Cup title, cementing their dominance in youth cricket.
Chand pointed out that the toss proved to be a decisive factor in the final. "The toss was very important," he explained. "Captain Ayush Mathre called it right. He won the toss and decided to bat first. It was a big final. You want runs on the board, and the celebration afterward is also needed."
Hailing the Next Big Thing
Chand reserved special praise for 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whom he hailed as the 'next big thing in Indian cricket.' "Look at the kind of innings Vaibhav Suryavanshi played in this final against a side like England," Chand remarked. "We don't expect that in a final. You think a player might be careful, especially after losing a wicket like Aaron George in the first three overs. He had to build a partnership and anchor. Vaibhav Suryavanshi proved why he is the next big thing in Indian cricket."
This endorsement underscores the potential seen in young talents emerging from India's robust cricketing system, with Suryavanshi's performance being a standout example of skill and maturity under pressure.
Conclusion: A Message of Hope and Hard Work
As India's U-19 champions bask in their well-deserved glory, Unmukt Chand's words serve as a crucial guidepost. His advice to stay patient, work diligently, and remain passionate highlights the realities of professional cricket. With players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi showing promise, the future looks bright, but it will require perseverance and dedication to navigate the challenges ahead.
