NEW DELHI: It was the year 2004 when Shikhar Dhawan represented India in the Under-19 World Cup tournament. Despite having talented players like Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, RP Singh, Robin Uthappa, and Dhawan in the team, India fell short of reaching the final in the prestigious tournament. The Boys in Blue lost to arch-rivals Pakistan in the semifinals.Even after 19 years, the memories of that time remain vivid in Dhawan’s mind.

In pursuit of their sixth ICC U-19 World Cup title, the Udaya Saharan-led Indian side will clash with Australia in the grand finale on Sunday in Benoni.
India U-19 had beaten Australia in the 2012 and 2018 finals, and will again start favourites during this edition’s title match.

Dhawan, a member of India’s 2004 U-19 World Cup campaign, took to social media and wrote a special message for the India colts ahead of the title clash between India and Australia.
“A trip down memory lane as India and Australia compete for U-19 supremacy. Sending my support to the U-19 Team India and wishing all the best for the Finals #TeamIndia #CheeringforWin,” Dhawan wrote.

The U-19 World Cup has presented stars like Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Mohammed Kaif, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal to name a few, who have risen through the ranks.