U19 World Cup | Coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar mulls about India’s chances in the tournament

India coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar has backed India’s chances in the U19 World Cup, which is scheduled to get underway on Friday, 14 January in the Caribbean shores.

Speaking highly about the team, Kanitkar has stated that India will bounce off the Asia Cup win and would be raring to go in the first game against South Africa on Saturday.

Talking about two specific youngsters in the team, the coach backed Rajvardhan Hangarekar and captain Yash Dhull to be the main pillars of the team.

Hangarekar, a fast bowling all rounder, impressed in the Asia Cup and is already being talked about for his explosiveness.

"It augurs well for the future. The talent is there...it is about grooming and handling them well. Rajvardhan is a really exciting prospect and bowls at a fair clip.”

"He has a good yorker and a bouncer and he is not a bad batsman. You will find that out in the tournament. He is keen to do well for the team. These are good signs," he said.

Asked about captaincy in the junior format of the game, the coach said that Dhull, as a captain has the respect of all players and they think tank, trusts his on-field decisions.

“He is able to take tough calls,” argued the coach

"Every time, especially while fielding, he can't be told to do things, he needs to take his decisions. He is up to it. I think his instincts are tuned fine and think he can do justice to the job," Kanitkar added.