India have it all: Sourav Ganguly on U-19 team

“Indian 18-year-olds bowling at 145kmph was absolutely wonderful to see,” said Sourav Ganguly. Having watched the first two weeks of the U-19 World Cup, most will agree with Ganguly, who’s just back from a commentary stint in New Zealand. “(Shivam) Mavi, (Kamlesh) Nagarkoti and Ishan Porel are all very good. Porel may be a tad slower but he can swing the ball and because he is tall can hit the deck as well,” argued Sourav.

The batting too is no less exciting. Prithvi Shaw, the captain and Shubman Gill, vice-captain, look two of the best batsmen on view in the tournament. “Shaw does look good. He had a terrific start to his first-class career. I even asked Shaw if he knew Bengali seeing her surname but no he doesn’t,” says Sourav. He is equally excited about Shubman and Manjot Kalra, Shaw’s opening partner.

So is it fair to say that Indian cricket’s supply like looks real good? “They couldn’t have got a better coach. I met Rahul (Dravid) after a while and must say he is the best man for the job. He will be the best thing to happen to these boys in the dressing room. To answer your question, it’s an overwhelming yes. Fast bowlers, batsmen, spinners – we seem to have all the bases covered. Manjot looks exactly like a young Shikhar Dhawan to me,” said Sourav.