What is India’s record in ICC Under-19 World Cups?
The ICC Under-19 World Cup has been a breeding ground for young cricketing talent from around the world, providing a platform for aspiring players to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves on the international stage. India, with its rich cricketing history and vast pool of talented youngsters, has been a dominant force in the tournament since its inception in 1988. In this blog post, we will delve into India’s record in the ICC Under-19 World Cups, highlighting their achievements, successes, and areas for improvement.
India’s ICC Under-19 World Cup Journey
India have played 102 ICC Under-19 World Cup matches since 1988, sealing win in 81 and losing 20, with one ending in no result. This impressive record is a testament to the country’s strong cricketing foundation and the talent that it produces. India’s success in the tournament can be attributed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) robust junior cricket structure, which provides young players with ample opportunities to develop their skills and compete against the best in the world.
Championship Wins
India has been crowned champions of the ICC Under-19 World Cup five times, with their first title coming in 2000. The team, led by Mohammad Kaif, defeated Sri Lanka in the final by 6 wickets, marking a memorable moment in Indian cricket history. Eight years later, in 2008, India won the tournament again, this time under the leadership of a young Virat Kohli. The team defeated South Africa in the final by 12 runs (via the D/L method), with Kohli scoring a crucial 19 off 27 balls.
In 2012, India won their third ICC Under-19 World Cup title, defeating Australia in the final by 6 wickets. The team, led by Unmukt Chand, was dominant throughout the tournament, losing only one match in the group stages. Six years later, in 2018, India won the tournament for the fourth time, with Prithvi Shaw leading the team to victory. The Indians defeated Australia in the final by 8 wickets, with Shaw scoring a brilliant 29 off 41 balls.
India’s most recent ICC Under-19 World Cup title came in 2022, when the team, led by Yash Dhull, defeated England in the final by 4 wickets. This victory marked India’s fifth championship win in the tournament, cementing their position as one of the most successful teams in the history of the ICC Under-19 World Cup.
Recent Performance
In the 2024 ICC Under-19 World Cup, India’s campaign ended in disappointment, as they lost to Australia in the final by 79 runs. Despite this setback, the team showed promise and potential, with several players catching the eye with their performances. As India looks to bounce back from this defeat, they will face England in the 2026 Under-19 World Cup final, providing an opportunity for the team to redeem themselves and bring home their sixth championship title.
Conclusion
India’s record in the ICC Under-19 World Cups is a testament to the country’s strong cricketing foundation and the talent that it produces. With five championship wins and a dominant overall record, India is one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history. As the team prepares to face England in the 2026 Under-19 World Cup final, they will be looking to add to their tally of titles and continue their dominance in the tournament.
For more information on India’s ICC Under-19 World Cup record and the tournament’s history, you can visit the official ESPN Cricinfo website at https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/trophy/team-series-results/under-19s-world-cup-109.
News Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/trophy/team-series-results/under-19s-world-cup-109