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India has produced so many talented cricketers who have been ruling all over the world. Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill are some of who have been the part of India’s Under-19 team and made their identity in world cricket. Recently, Shubman Gill has been on the headlines because of his tremendous form over the months. He became the youngest batter to score centuries in all the three formats, including a double-ton against New Zealand in an ODI match. Gill was also the part of the victorious Indian Under-19 who become World Champions in 2018.

Led by Prithvi Shaw under the mentorship of coach Rahul Dravid, the young Men in Blues dominated the whole tournament by being the table-toppers of group B, and made it to the final clash against Australia after defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in a semi-final by a huge-margin of 203 runs. 

The India-Australia final was scheduled to be played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on the 3rd of February, 2018. The young Aussies were looking to recreate the 2003 World Cup Final against the same opposition, but the Indian team had other plans. The runners-up of the preceding edition, bowled Australia out for 216 runs in 47.2 overs. Jonathan Merlo gave some fight to the Indian bowling attack with his 76 runs off 102 balls inlcuding six fours, and helped the Aussies to go beyond 200. Ishan Porel, Shiva Singh, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, and Ankul Roy picked up 2 wickets each, while Shivam Mavi put one in his bag. 

Chasing the winning total, Manjot Kalra scored an unbeaten century scoring 101* off 102, including eight fours and three sixes. The 71-run opening stand between and the skipper Shaw made the things more easier for the young Indian team. Later Manjot was joined by Harvik Desai who remained unbeaten on 47 off 61 balls with five boundaries. India scored 220 runs losing 2 wickets.

Desai hit the winning boundary in the 39th over to bring the get Team India to the glory. The young boys were titled as World Champions for the fourth time. Manjot was adjudged player of the match for his brilliant innings. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill was awarded with player of the series for scoring 372 runs in the tournament. 

With this, India became the most successful team in the Under-19 World Cup with four titles. Four years later in 2022, the young Indian team again repeated the glory to put their hands on the trophy for the fifth time and now India is the current champion of the ICC Under-19 World Cup.