India win U19 World Cup: India to have 19+ team? The likes of Kamal Passi, Manjot Kalra, Ravikant Singh, Unmukt Chand — the list of players failing to make it big is long. After another set of players won the U19 World Cup, BCCI is now keen on retaining the group of players managing a 19+ team. Yash Dhull, Raj Bawa could continue to play together. Follow live updates of cricket on InsideSport.IN
That’s why there could be a “19 plus” level added to the structure of the pathway with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) ensuring that the talented U-19 players who have just crossed the age group remain firmly in the system and their progress is monitored.
India win U19 World Cup: BCCI, NCA plans to add ’19 plus’ team to current structure to ensure pathway to U19 World Cup stars
A Shaik Rasheed (Andhra), Ravi Kumar (Bengal), Raj Angad Bawa (Chandigarh) or Yash Dhull (Delhi) might make it to the stateside right away but many players from the current India line-up will be caught in between the post-U-19 phase and Ranji Trophy.
There exists a U-25 (previously U-23) state-level but too many candidates are queuing for particular slots in those teams also.
“There is a five-tier pathways structure that National Cricket Academy could be looking at in future for developing players for the senior India team. It starts with U-16, followed by U-19, the Emerging (national U-23) and A team.
India win U19 World Cup: BCCI, NCA plans to add ’19 plus’ team to current structure to ensure pathway to U19 World Cup stars
“In this there is a plan to add a ’19 plus’ level where all these boys could be integrated,” a senior BCCI official privy to discussions told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
Among all these levels, the BCCI’s U-25 (now known as state A team) is basically a platform given to players, who are unable to make the senior grade.
The coaches know that most of the men who are 23-24 and are still not playing first-class cricket regularly might never make the grade, and hence, the bridge between U-19 and first-class cricket becomes doubly important.
India win U19 World Cup: BCCI, NCA plans to add ’19 plus’ team to current structure to ensure pathway to U19 World Cup stars
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2⃣0⃣2⃣2⃣ 🏆India U19 – The FIVE-TIME World Cup Winners 👏 🔝#U19CWC #BoysInBlue pic.twitter.com/DiE53Sdu0Y
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 5, 2022
India win U19 World Cup: BCCI, NCA plans to add ’19 plus’ team to current structure to ensure pathway to U19 World Cup stars
Once the new NCA becomes operational with four first-class level grounds inside its premises, the academy can have its own ’19 plus’ teams which can play matches among themselves and their progress can be regularly monitored by the coaches, trainers and physios.
If they make the grade and play state A team (U-25) or Ranji Trophy, nothing like it but if they aren’t part of any teams, at least they are in NCA’s radar.
It is expected that the BCCI brass (president and secretary) might have discussions with the 10 national selectors (five junior and five senior) along with NCA supremo VVS Laxman and senior national head coach Rahul Dravid to create a blueprint.
India win U19 World Cup: BCCI, NCA plans to add ’19 plus’ team to current structure to ensure pathway to U19 World Cup stars
“We all get really excited with the U-19 triumph but one doesn’t understand that the BCCI has such a great structure in place that we will always be up there among junior teams at global level. But just after this, first-class becomes a different beast. Go and check the 2012 team. Save Hanuma Vihari, most are now nowhere among even the best domestic players in their own states,” the veteran official, who had worked extensively in junior cricket, said.
Renowned Australian fast bowling coach Troy Cooley has already joined the NCA in Bengaluru, where he will be monitoring the progress of India’s next batch of pacers.
The BCCI has thought about providing a pace bowlers’ NCA contract to 10 talented youngsters whose entire cost of coaching, injury management and other expenses will be taken care of by the board.
It remains to be seen if something on similar lines is done for the reigning U-19 world champions.
India win U19 World Cup: BCCI, NCA plans to add ’19 plus’ team to current structure to ensure pathway to U19 World Cup stars
