The ICC Men's U-19 Cricket World Cup 2022 will be hosted in four different countries in the West Indies from 14 January to 5 February. The tournament will consist of 16 different teams representing their respective cricket-playing nations.
In typical fashion, every squad consists of some really talented players who have made their way into the mega event by putting in impressive performances in domestic and other competitions at the same age group level.
Today we take a look at the top 5 players to keep an eye on for the upcoming tournament.
1) Fateh Singh (England)
Throughout 2021, spin bowling all-rounder Fateh Singh excelled for Nottinghamshire's Academy, taking 32 wickets across 13 matches, while also averaging 25.89 with the bat which included two fifties. During his time at the club, the 17-year-old became a regular feature in the club's Second XI and earned first-team recognition in the Royal London Cup on his way to being named Academy Player of the Year.
Following stellar performances against West Indies and Sri Lanka, Nottinghamshire's Fateh Singh has been named in England's squad for next month's World Cup.
— Nottinghamshire CCC (@TrentBridge) December 22, 2021
2) Johann Layne (West Indies)
The 18-year-old is an upcoming West Indies paceman with a pace that threatens. For a cricketing nation known for producing blockbusters with the bat, Johann Layne is not shy of swinging the bat and clearing the ropes. His best performance for the U19 team came against the proteas where he dismissed the first three batsmen to make early inroads and help the West Indies win the match by 19 runs.
3) Nivethan Radhakrishnan (Australia)
Nineteen-year-old Indian-origin cricketer Nivethan Radhakrishnan is one of two India-born players that has been selected to play for Australia in the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup. Radhakrishnan is known for his ability to spin the ball with both arms. Described as an ambidextrous spinner, he can switch which arm he bowls with mid-over depending on the match situation.
4) Alishan Sharafu (UAE)
The hard-hitting batsman is another Indian-origin player who will be representing UAE in the U19 World Cup this week. Selected to captain the team. Making his debut in the Abu Dhabi T10 league last year and having played for the International team as well, the young batsman will be eager to make his mark and impress the audience on this international stage.
5) Rajvardhan Hangargekar (India)
He went on to claim nine wickets for Maharashtra in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy in September-October, as well as scoring 216 runs, before taking four wickets for the India C team in the Challengers tournament. Afterward, the fast bowler, who can also bat, was selected for India's U-19 Asia Cup campaign in Dubai en route to the World Cup in the Caribbean. Maharashtra's young speedster Rajvardhan Hangargekar is one of the players to watch out for at the upcoming ICC U-19 World Cup in the Caribbean. Rajvardhan is a 19-year-old right-arm quick who is still adjusting to life in the Indian domestic circuit
With the stage set for all players to perform, the destiny of each team is in their player's hands as they battle it out for the top prize. With Bangladesh taking home the coveted title, this year’s winner is anyone’s bet. Who do you think will excel the most in this year’s competition, and which team will win the ultimate prize. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Cover Credits: ICCofficial
