5 Indian cricketers with a huge gap between U19 WC and international debut

The concept of the U19 World Cup was started way back in 1988 and since then, there have been 12 editions. Barring the gap between the first two editions which was 10 years, an Under 19 World Cup is played every two years. Historically, India have done very well. They’ve won four titles and have finished as runners-up twice.

Moreover, over the years, India have produced multiple cricketers who have transitioned brilliantly from the Under 19 level to the senior team. The likes of Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant are a few well-known names who soon made it to the national side after their success at the Under 19 level.

However, there have been players who have had a huge gap between their Under 19 World Cup and their international debut. Hence, here are five such players.

1. Siddarth Kaul – (2008 to 2018)

Siddarth Kaul was one of the stars for India in 2008 Under 19 World Cup. He was Virat Kohli’s premier fast bowler in the tournament. The right-arm pacer played five games and picked up 10 wickets at an average of 15.40. In fact, he was entrusted with the responsibility of bowling the last over in the final as well. Hence, Kaul had made an early impression.

However, it took him a decade to make his international debut. He has been a prominent figure in the IPL and in domestic cricket. But it was only in Ireland in 2018 that he received his maiden India cap. However, he hasn’t really been a regular member of the side.

After making his debut in a T20I against Ireland, he made his ODI debut a couple of weeks later against England. But he has played just three T20Is and as many ODIs. The last time he played an international game was earlier this year. Kaul featured in a T20I against Australia in Bengaluru.