‘We want to register our names in history’ - India captain Uday Saharan ready for U19 World Cup final against Australia

Following a nail-biting win over South Africa in the semi-final of the U19 World Cup, India have once again qualified for the summit clash. On the night of the final, they will challenge Australia, who defeated Pakistan by a wicket in the final over of the game. Meanwhile, ahead of playing the final, India skipper Uday Saharan is very much relaxed and has asked the fans to support the team like they have always done in the past. 

India’s history against Australia in knockout matches of senior-level cricket is concerning. The Rohit Sharma-led side lost to the Kangaroos in the final of the World Test Championship in 2023 and then again, in the ODI World Cup later in the year. However, Saharan isn’t bothered about any revenge against the Aussies and wants to stay focused on his game to get the job done in the final.

“I am not thinking anything like that. We are focusing on our game and we have to give our best. We are playing according to the match conditions. Every match is important because it is the World Cup and all the teams are good,” Saharan was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

“It is a dream for all of us to win this tournament. Everyone gets only one Under-19 World Cup and we want to repeat the history. We also want to register our names in history. We are focused on giving our best. I would like to tell the countrymen to continue supporting us like this. We promise to give everything to bring the Cup back,” he added.

Notably, India have a rich history of doing well at the U19 level, winning the trophy for a record five times. A lot of cricketing stalwarts including Virat Kohli, Mohammad Kaif, Ravindra Jadeja, Shikhar Dhawan, and Shubman Gill among many others were first spotted in the U19 World Cup before making their name in international cricket. However, Saharan refused to compare his team with the legends and wants his players to give their best in the final.

“I never think about it. I don't think about the past. I just think about how I can give my best for the team and how to get the best out of the team,” the 19-year-old said.