The 13th edition of the under-19 World Cup is set to get underway in South Africa with India, the defending champions, hoping to win a record fifth title under Priyam Garg. No other team has more youth ODI titles since the inception of the World Cup at this level in 1988. We take a glance at the three players who could steal the show in this World Cup.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)
The Mumbai opener made a resounding start to his professional career when he slammed a double hundred in his maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy tournament last year. A rags to riches story behind him, Jaiswal has the third most runs in youth ODIs since the 2018 edition of the youth World Cup. Alongside Priyam Garg and Divyaanshu Saxena, Jaiswal will be looked upon to give the Indian innings some stability early on.
Towhid Hridoy (Bangladesh)
Perhaps the most talented batsman in the under-19 circuit for this World Cup, Towhid Hridoy is the highest run-scorer in the format since the last World Cup with four centuries and an average of 60.21. Last month, in a series against the Sri Lanka under-19 side, Hridoy slammed 82*, 123*, 115 and 111 at Chattogram to establish his form. He had also played the 2018 edition of the World Cup and topped the run-charts then for Bangladesh by scoring a century against Canada. He also plays professionally in Bangladesh for the Rajshahi division and has made his debut in the BPL for Sylhet Sixers.
Jordan Cox (England)
Signed up the Kent County at 10 years of age as a promising batsman with a future, Jordan Cox made a name in the teenage years with his attacking batsmanship. Last year, he replaced an injured Sam Billings in the Kent first team and played a few matches. A championship debut came after a resounding 122* opening the innings against Bangladesh for the England under-19 side. Inspite of making his Championship debut, he continued to shine in youth ODIs and made a brilliant hundred against the Sri Lanka under-19 in the tri-series also involving West Indies, a series where he ended up as the second-highest run-scorer.