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India is also expected to stick to its “no shaking hands” stance towards Pakistan, a stance taken after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor by the Indian armed forces. The Indian U-19 side avoided the post-match handshake with Pakistan in both the group match and the final of the Asia Cup. The Ayush Mhatra-led Indian team will be firmly focused on avenging this defeat. A special interaction with Sachin Tendulkar, who virtually dedicated himself to the team during the tournament, added to their motivation. “The India U-19 team playing in the ongoing U-19 World Cup had a virtual interaction with the legend of world cricket, Mr. Sachin Tendulkar,” the BCCI wrote on X.
BCCI post
“In this invaluable experience, the next generation gained insight and perspective on the important components of success and longevity in an ever-evolving sport, not just technical skills and staying fit, but also the importance of staying focused, disciplined, humble and rooted in success.” VVS Laxman, head of the Center of Excellence and part of the event’s support staff, also highlighted the impact of the interaction. “Your experience and perspective had a powerful impact. They were clearly inspired and motivated. These are lessons they will carry with them for a long time and are truly grateful,” Laxman wrote.
contribution by VVS Laxman
So far, India have enjoyed the tournament supremely. They started their campaign with a comfortable six-wicket win over the USA, followed by wins against Bangladesh and New Zealand in the group stage. In the Super Six stage, they defeated hosts Zimbabwe by 204 runs on 27 January to remain unbeaten. But Pakistan presents a much more serious challenge. The Asia Cup final defeat is likely to weigh heavily on India’s mind, especially against a side that has gained momentum. With the bat, wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu scored 183 runs from four matches, including a top score of 80, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added 166 runs. Both have scored two half-centuries and will be looking forward to turning starts into hundreds. Vihaan Malhotra also emerged as a key batsman after smashing an unbeaten 109 against Zimbabwe. India’s bowling was led by Henil Patel who took 10 wickets in four matches while left-arm quick Udhav Mohan impressed with three wickets in the last match. Mhatre himself hit with three scalps during his breaks against Zimbabwe and RS Amrish provided support with the new ball. Pakistan’s campaign began with a loss to England, but they recovered well to beat Scotland and Zimbabwe in the group stage before recording an emphatic eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening match of the Super Six on 27 January. Opener Sameer Minhas remains Pakistan’s biggest threat. The batsman, who scored a stunning 172 against India in the Asia Cup final, continued his fine form with scores of 74 against Zimbabwe and 76 against New Zealand. India are expected to target him soon in an attempt to limit Pakistan’s scoring. With the ball, Pakistan will rely heavily on right-arm pacer Ali Raza, who has claimed 12 wickets from four matches, while Abdul Subhan has also been effective, taking 10 wickets in the same number of matches.