The much-anticipated ICC U19 World Cup 2024 kicked off with a thrilling Test match between India and England in Hyderabad. While the match had its fair share of highs and lows, it’s essential to dissect the standout performers and those who fell short of expectations from the Indian camp.
Stars of the Match:
Jasprit Bumrah
The undeniable star of the match was none other than Jasprit Bumrah. Known for his lethal pace and precision, Bumrah’s exceptional performance in Hyderabad showcased his mastery over the game. Picking up six crucial wickets, including a four-wicket haul in the second innings, Bumrah’s efforts kept India’s struggling bowling attack afloat. His two-wicket burst to dismiss Ben Duckett and Joe Root turned the tide in favor of the home side, proving once again why he is considered a world-class bowler. With India in desperate need of Bumrah’s services, managing his workload becomes crucial for the remainder of the series.
KS Bharat
In a slightly unexpected turn of events, KS Bharat emerged as a star performer for India. Battling challenging conditions, Bharat showcased resilience with scores of 41 and 28. Despite being unlucky in both innings, Bharat displayed determination and was tidy behind the stumps. However, with the imminent return of Rishabh Pant, Bharat’s position in the XI may be temporary. Nevertheless, his encouraging performance has certainly left a positive impression.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin’s contribution to the team was both with the ball and the bat. Despite facing criticism for not countering England’s unconventional approach effectively, Ashwin took six wickets in the match. His ability to trouble the English openers and dismiss key players like Stokes showcased his experience. Ashwin also displayed grit with the bat, fighting in both innings, even though he fell victim to an unfortunate run-out in the first. His all-round performance highlighted his importance to the team.
Underperformers of the Match:
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill’s struggles in the Test format continued in Hyderabad. A knock of 23 off 66 balls in the first innings lacked intent and confidence, ultimately leading to his dismissal with a tame chip to midwicket. The second innings brought further disappointment as Gill bagged a two-ball duck. With his place in the Test team already under scrutiny, these performances may intensify the debate over Gill’s inclusion in future matches.
Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer, another batter under scrutiny, faced a challenging outing against England. Despite making 35 in the first innings, his attempt to heave a shot over the leg-side boundary resulted in a caught dismissal. The second innings saw a questionable approach as Iyer, needing to attack, opted for a tame prod and was caught at slip. With Virat Kohli absent, Iyer’s inability to make a significant impact raises concerns about his consistency and suitability in the lineup.
The first Test of the ICC U19 World Cup 2024 provided a mixed bag of performances for the Indian team. While Bumrah, Bharat, and Ashwin shone brightly, Gill and Iyer’s struggles will undoubtedly be a point of discussion among cricket enthusiasts.
