It’s another India vs Australia final in a World Cup event. The senior Australian team produced a double heartbreak against the Rohit Sharma men at the finals of WTC and CWC last year. This time around the juniors will face the Kangaroos in a thrilling U19 World Cup final at Benoni on Sunday. The Indian Captain Uday Saharan reacts to questions regarding finding revenge for the senior team’s humiliating losses at the hands of the Aussies.
Australia pulled off a nail-biting finish against Pakistan, winning by one wicket, in the second semi-final on Friday. The triumph sets the stage for an intense showdown against defending champions India.
The reigning champions, India have maintained an unbeaten record in the tournament, just like the senior men’s team at CWC 2023. They produced one-sided victories with huge margins and completely dominated the opposition until their narrow two-wicket triumph over hosts South Africa in the semifinals.
India will be appearing for a record 9th time in the Men’s U19 WC finals, in the quest for clinching 6th title. Australia on the other hand will be looking for 4th title in its sixth appearance.
‘Focus is only on the present’, says Uday Saharan
Talking to the pressers ahead of the all-important final on Sunday, Captain Uday Saharan made his priorities clear. The youngster believes that his side will only focus on its own game and not worry too much about the past.
“I am not thinking anything like that. We are focusing on our game and we have to give our best. We are playing according to the match conditions. Every match is important because it is the World Cup and all the teams are good.”
Saharan also opined the team’s desire to repeat history and fetch their names in history books.
“It is a dream for all of us to win this tournament. Everyone gets only one Under-19 World Cup and we want to repeat the history. We also want to register our names in history. We are focused on giving our best,” Saharan said, “I would like to tell the countrymen to continue supporting us like this. We promise to give everything to bring the Cup back.”
Many Indian U19 players like Mohammad Kaif, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, etc. went on to represent the senior team and became legends of the game. Saharan refused comparisons with these stars, saying he won’t take the pressure of legacy.
“I never think about it. I don’t think about the past. I just think about how I can give my best for the team and how to get the best out of the team.”
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