Virat Kohli wants India U-19 players to focus on first-class cricket

India U19 team won the U19 World Cup for the 4th time.

Virat Kohli | GETTY

Virat Kohli shared success mantra for the India U-19 cricketers, who recently won the U-19 World Cup in New Zealand. Virat wants youngsters to focus on the first-class cricket more to be in the contention at the international level. 

When India U-19 team had created history in 2012 U-19 World Cup, it was said that Unmukt Chand will be the new face of Indian cricket. Spinner Harmeet Singh, pacer Sandeep Sharma and all-rounder Baba Aparajit were all considered as next big thing.

Unfortunately none of them could make a huge impact in the upcoming years, and are now struggling for relevancy at domestic level. Sandeep Sharma managed to play for India, but lacked consistency.

On Wednesday, Kohli again put the World Cup victory in New Zealand into perspective. “It is a big achievement to win the World Cup again, for the fourth time. It is a proud moment for team members and their families. There will be a couple of players who will come into limelight after the World Cup. But it is important that the strong foundation of first-class cricket is not neglected,” said Kohli.

Kohli spoke about the importance of first-class cricket. “I always thought after I returned with the U-19 World Cup that, first, I have to perform in first-class cricket and on A tours abroad. So that people realize I can play at a higher level,” he said.

While praising the new bunch of players, Kohli though said they have to think of playing Test cricket. “If your desire is to play Test cricket, then other formats will take care of themselves. Some players have a game, some don’t. But if they decide to change the game, then they won’t be able to adjust anywhere."

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 09 Feb, 2018

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