@ AP Photo
The Indian captain Virat Kohli has said that Kane Williamson was the standout player in the 2008 edition of U19 World Cup.
India first won the ICC U19 world cup in 2000 under Mohammad Kaif which also had Yuvraj Singh in it. Then after 8 years, India lifted the trophy again under the leadership of Virat Kohli. India then went on to win 2 more times under Unmukt Chand in 2012 and Prithvi Shaw in 2018 after that and has become the only side to have 4 ICC U19 trophies which are most by any team in the world.
Virat Kohli said that the U19 triumph was a very import milestone in his career in which he amassed 235 runs at an average of 47. He said, “ It helped us get a good platform to build on and make our careers from thereon, so it holds a very important place in my mind and heart, It is important to understand and respect the opportunity it provides to you”.
Kohli praised Kane Williamson’s batting ability during his U19 reign. The Indian skipper said, “I remember playing against Kane Williamson. He was someone who always stood out in the team, his batting ability was very different from others who were around. It is good to know that so many people from that batch like Kane and Steven Smith have played for their respective countries.”
Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Kane Williamson, Tim Southee who played in the U19 world cup in 2008 were also part of the recently concluded 50 over World Cup 2019 for their respective countries.
The U19 world cup for this year is set to be held on January 17 in South Africa where India will be defending their title for the 5th time.