India U-19 captain Uday Saharan calls Virat Kohli his 'role model'

With the aim of defending the title, young India batter Uday Saharan is currently leading the Under-19 side in South Africa at the ongoing World Cup. India have been a dominant force in the U-19 circuit and they are defending champions after the previous batch, led by Yash Dhull, bagged the title two years ago.

Saharan has now taken over the mantle and the team got off to a great start with a win over Bangladesh. Saharan recently spoke about India’s preparation. Saharan also talked about the fact that he had always wanted to play for India.

“Always wanted to play for India since I was young; it was the dream of my father as well. Today, I am leading the side, living the dream. We are prepared for the World Cup, excited as well,” Saharan said in a video posted by Star Sports on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. “We have played two series so far, good practice, focus on fitness, and excited about the preparation,” he added.

#TeamIndia U19 captain #UdaySaharan talks about his journey, inspiration and his side’s desire to defend their crown!

Will the #BoysInBlue go all the way again?

Tune-in to #INDU19vIREU19
25 JAN, Thursday, 1:30 PM | Star Sports Network#Cricket pic.twitter.com/nWez2qZCLG

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 24, 2024

Saharan named Virat Kohli, another captain who led India to U-19 glory back in 2008, as his role model and said that he admired his passion towards the game. “My role model is Virat Kohli—his passion for the game, aggression, and commitment to fitness are inspiring,” Saharan was heard saying in the video.

Saharan started well when he stepped up and scored a vital 64 against Bangladesh in the first match of the U-19 World Cup. He came into that match on the back of four half-centuries in his last four innings. He was one of the stars in the Youth ODI against South Africa U-19s where he top-scored with 112 runs. He then followed it up with 74 and 50 (not out) in the warm-up matches against Australia U-19s and Sri Lanka U-19s, respectively. Saharan was also the top scorer during the Under-19 Challenger Trophy held in Guwahati last month. He scored 297 runs in four innings, featuring four half-centuries and a best score of 93 not out.

India U-19 claimed a resounding 84-run victory in their World Cup opener against Bangladesh. In their next match, India will be up against Ireland U-19 on Thursday, January 25.