Hrishikesh Kanitkar is certain that the 2024 U19 World Cup stars would advance to the senior Indian team, saying, “I’m Sure There Will be a Couple.”

Hrishikesh Kanitkar, the head coach of the India U-19 squad, is optimistic that a few players from the 2024 group, who secured the record five-time winners’ sixth straight final berth, may eventually play for the senior team.

Even though Australia defeated the five-time winners India by 79 runs in the championship match, players like captain Uday Saharan, Musheer Khan, Saumy Pandey, and Sachin Dhas showed great performance throughout the competition.

Without a doubt, India has a very bright future. Numerous individuals have turned in standout performances both as a bowling and batting team.

“They have demonstrated maturity in trying circumstances, which is encouraging for Indian cricket,” Kanitkar said on Sunday during the press conference after the game.

With 397 runs, Saharan, a player representing Punjab, finished the tournament as the top run scorer.

His reputation increased as the competition went on. Before playing a game-winning 81 in the semifinal against South Africa, he hit a century against Nepal.

With 360 runs, third-ranked hitter Mursheer—the younger brother of Mumbai’s very productive Sarfaraz Khan—was the team’s most reliable batsman.

The other two outstanding performers were left-arm spinner Pandey, who claimed 18 wickets, and Dhas, who loved playing the finishing role.

The attitude shown by Maharashtra batter Dhas was necessary to reach the top level.

The U-19 World Cup has produced talents like Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Mohammed Kaif, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, to mention a few. The Indian squad has always been a force in the age category.

Every time, a few men stand out for the Indian side or the Indian Premier League. Although there is fierce rivalry back home, I’m confident there will be a few, Kanitkar said.

Arshin Kulkarni and Avanish Rao, two squad players, have already signed IPL contracts before the U-19 World Cup.

According to Kanitkar, participating in the U-19 World Cup gives players a taste of what it’s like to compete at the senior level.

“Everything is emphasized for the athletes’ incredible trip; these performances count, and they are closely watched. They adjust to these circumstances. When they play better cricket, they are ready and aware of what to anticipate, according to the 49-year-old head coach.