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Virat Kohli's U19 World Cup Teammate, Who Became An Income Tax Officer, Set to Return To Cricket As An Umpire

image-lkvf52wpIndia's 2008 U-19 World Cup winning team with trophy (Twitter)

India's U-19 Cricket World Cup win in 2008 was a significant achievement for Indian cricket. The tournament was held in Malaysia from February 17 to March 2, 2008. The Indian team, led by Virat Kohli, showcased exceptional talent throughout the competition.

In the final match, India faced off against South Africa. Batting first, India posted a challenging total of 159 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 50 overs. South Africa, in response, struggled against the Indian bowlers and were bowled out for just 103 runs, handing India a convincing 50-run victory.

India's victory in the U-19 World Cup in 2008 was the second time they had won the tournament, with their first win coming in 2000. Several players from that winning squad went on to have successful careers in international cricket, including Virat Kohli. However, Ajitesh Argal, who was the man of the match in the final, ended up becoming an Income Tax officer through the sports quota. Argal starred in the final with a brilliant bowling performance, giving away just 7 runs in 5 overs and picking up two wickets.

Argal, a right-arm medium pacer, had a relatively short domestic career with Baroda, playing 10 First Class matches, 6 T20s and 3 List A matches, and taking a total of 29 wickets. He last played for Baroda in the 2015 Ranji Trophy.

After being away from cricket for a few years now, Argal is returning to the game again, this time as an umpire. He passed the umpiring exam along with another member of Kohli’s U-19 WC team, Tanmay Srivastava. The two will undergo the BCCI orientation programme and seminar in August.