Reetinder Sodhi's Nostalgic Journey Through India's Junior Cricket Glory Days
As the 2026 Under-19 World Cup captivates cricket fans worldwide, former Indian all-rounder Reetinder Singh Sodhi takes a heartfelt trip down memory lane. He reflects on his pivotal role in India's junior cricket triumphs during the late 1990s and early 2000s, a period that laid the foundation for future international stars.
The Dream of a Trilogy and Yuvraj Singh's Arrival
Following India's victory in the 2000 Under-19 World Cup, an English journalist planted a tantalizing idea in Sodhi's mind. "You were the player of the final in the Under-15 World Cup in 1996, now player of the final in the Under-19 World Cup. If you win player of the final in the 2003 senior World Cup, the trilogy will be complete," the journalist remarked. While injuries prevented Sodhi from achieving this personal dream, the thought alone sent shivers down his spine at the time.
Days before the 2000 final, Sodhi witnessed a young Yuvraj Singh announce his arrival on the global stage. In the semi-final against a formidable Australian side, Yuvraj played a blistering innings of 56 runs. The sound of his bat connecting with the ball was thunderous, with several shots crashing into the tin roof of the stadium. This explosive performance came years before Yuvraj's Champions Trophy debut, marking his first major statement to the cricketing world.
From U15 Triumph to U19 Glory: Building Champions
Sodhi's journey in junior world cups began earlier. He led India to victory in the 1996 U15 Lombards Cup, defeating a Pakistani team featuring future stars like Shoaib Malik, Faisal Iqbal, Taufeeq Umar, Hasan Raza, Bazid Khan, Yasir Arafat, and Kamran Akmal. The celebration at Lord's was electrifying, and upon returning to India, the young champions were hosted by President Shankar Dayal Sharma, Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, and Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma. "We were young boys, and to experience all of this was like a dream for us," Sodhi reminisces.
He also participated in the 1998 U19 World Cup in South Africa, captained by Amit Pagnis. Although the team did not reach the semi-finals, this tournament fostered lifelong friendships with teammates like Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Mohammad Kaif, and Laxmi Ratan Shukla.
Leadership, Camaraderie, and Healthy Competition
Prior to the 2000 U19 World Cup team announcement, there was intense but healthy competition between Sodhi and Mohammad Kaif for the captaincy. Ultimately, Kaif was named captain, with Sodhi serving as vice-captain. This dynamic duo would go on to lead India to glory, with their achievements immortalized on magazine covers—Sodhi after the U15 win and Kaif after the U19 victory. They still share these pictures today, cherishing the memories of their shared success.
Coach Roger Binny's Meticulous Guidance and Testing Times
The Indian team was coached by 1983 World Cup winner Roger Binny, a man of few words but decisive actions. Sodhi recalls a particularly testing moment when he suffered a finger injury during a Super League match against Nepal. Before the crucial match against England, Binny put him through rigorous batting and fielding drills to assess his fitness. In a subtle yet effective test, Binny shook Sodhi's hand, applying pressure on the injured finger to gauge his pain threshold without risking further damage.
Another challenge arose before the Super League match against Sri Lanka, when Sodhi battled a high fever the night before. Roommate Yuvraj Singh provided constant encouragement, while Coach Binny met him at the stadium, emphasizing the match's importance and boosting his confidence. Sodhi responded by scoring 74 runs and taking two wickets, later thanking Binny for his unwavering faith.
The Semifinal Spectacle: Yuvraj's 'Tu Chinta Na Kar' Moment
The semi-final against Australia, coached by the legendary Rodney Marsh and featuring players like Shane Watson, Ed Cowan, Shaun Marsh, Nathan Hauritz, and Mitchell Johnson, was a tense affair. India seemed headed for a modest total of 240-250 when Yuvraj Singh walked to the crease with just 7.1 overs remaining. What followed was a spectacular assault.
Yuvraj smashed five sixes and five boundaries in a whirlwind 58-run knock, propelling India to a commanding total of 284. India won the match by 170 runs, with Anup Dave claiming three wickets. Sodhi vividly remembers Yuvraj's reassuring words in the dugout: "Tu chinta na kar (Don't you worry). Since I am here, even you can hit the ball." After the match, even Rodney Marsh patted Yuvraj on the back, acknowledging the sheer power and brilliance of his innings.
The Final Triumph and Lifelong Bonds
On the eve of the final against Sri Lanka, Yuvraj, Kaif, and Sodhi had a heartfelt conversation in their hotel room, reminding each other that such opportunities are rare and must be seized. Sri Lanka, batting first, were restricted to 178 runs. Sodhi bowled ten consecutive overs, conceding only 26 runs, while Kaif also bowled a full ten-over spell, taking one wicket for 31 runs—a testament to his leadership and responsibility.
Despite early setbacks, with Yuvraj and Kaif departing early, Sodhi and Niraj Patel steadied the ship, guiding India to a memorable victory. "When we won the title, we all celebrated like kids. We were kids only," Sodhi laughs.
From Junior Success to Senior Careers and Unbreakable Friendships
Shortly after the U19 World Cup win, six players—Mohammed Kaif, Yuvraj Singh, Anup Dave, Ajay Ratra, Venugopal Rao, and Reetinder Sodhi—were selected for the Senior Challenger Trophy, with several later representing India at the highest level. Sodhi fondly recalls a moment when Yuvraj fielded at point, he at cover, and Kaif at mid-off for India in international matches—a proud realization of their junior cricket journey coming full circle.
These experiences forged unbreakable bonds. Teammates like Harbhajan Singh provided both humor and support over the years. After Sodhi's international career was curtailed by injuries, Harbhajan would often call to uplift him, saying, "You don't compare or see me or Yuvi. Thank god that he made you play for India. There are many who don't get the chance."
A Message for the New Generation
As a new batch of young talents competes in the 2026 U19 World Cup, Sodhi sees this platform as their chance to announce themselves on the international stage. He believes that, much like in the past, many of these players can go on to represent India for years to come, leaving their own indelible mark on the sport. For Sodhi, playing for India at the senior level and winning World Cups remains the ultimate pinnacle—a dream nurtured and realized through the lessons learned in junior cricket.
