India's Under-19 Cricket Team Aims for Sixth World Cup Title in 2026
The Indian Under-19 cricket team is set to embark on a crucial tour to Zimbabwe and Namibia in less than two months, with its sights firmly set on clinching a record-extending sixth title at the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup. The prestigious multi-team event begins in January, and the preparations are in full swing.
Long-Term Preparation and The CoE's Role
In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Rajib Datta, the bowling coach and lead faculty at the National Cricket Academy's (NCA) Centre of Excellence (CoE), detailed the extensive groundwork. He revealed that the preparation process for the global tournament began nearly 8-9 months ago.
Datta emphasized that under the leadership of VVS Laxman, the CoE is committed to providing the best possible platform for these young cricketers. The core objective is to equip them to express their talent freely on the international stage. The aspirations are always to win a tournament of that stature of the World Cup, Datta stated, highlighting the team's ambition.
Holistic Player Development and Selection Criteria
When asked about the unique challenges of coaching junior teams, Datta explained that the fundamental approach to cricket remains unchanged. The focus is not solely on a World Cup but on consistent preparation for any series, be it the Asia Cup or a bilateral tour. The goal is to ensure players are in the best physical and mental state, with their skills honed, so they can perform without hesitation.
The selection process for tournaments like the Challengers Trophy is rigorous and multi-faceted. Datta outlined that players are judged on five key departments:
- Tactical awareness
- Technical skills
- Physical fitness
- Mental strength
- Life skills
He elaborated that life skills include a player's ability to remain patient, handle pressure, maintain discipline, adhere to work ethics, and possess a growth mindset. All these things are monitored for about 365 days now, ensuring a year-round developmental process.
Bridging the Gap and Learning from Global Exposure
Addressing the common phenomenon where U-19 stars fail to replicate success at the senior level, Datta pointed to India's robust domestic structure. He described the path as a natural progression where players must consistently perform in the Under-23s and then in senior domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy to ultimately earn a national call-up. It's a process, he affirmed.
While India finished as runners-up in the previous edition, the coaching staff is not dwelling on the past. Datta stressed that it was a different place, a different team, a different combination. Instead, the focus is on providing global exposure. The team has undertaken tours to England and Australia and is currently involved in a Triangular Series with Afghanistan to understand different playing conditions and preparation styles of other teams.
Tailored Preparations for African Conditions
Adapting to the pace and bounce of pitches in Zimbabwe and Namibia, which differ from Indian tracks, is a key part of the preparation. Datta expressed satisfaction with the practice wickets, which have effectively challenged the batters early on, especially with the new ball, simulating expected African conditions.
He confirmed that apart from collective training, there is a specialized individual preparation program for each player. This program has been meticulously monitored by the CoE and a dedicated support staff team for the past 365 days, ensuring the squad is fully primed for the challenge ahead.
