Before the Under-19 World Cup, the India colts are scheduled to travel to South Africa for three one-day matches against the Proteas U-19 side, followed by a Quadrangular Series featuring South Africa U-19, India U-19, Zimbabwe U-19 and New Zealand U-19.’
“Although I haven’t spoken to Virat sir yet, I have spoken to Prithvi sir a lot. He told me ‘your planning, your process and your team-bonding is most important’,” Garg was quoted as saying by ‘ESPNCricinfo’ ahead of India U-19s departure for South Africa.
“The more the team will feel a sense of togetherness, the better will they perform. Prithvi sir also told me that the team should know what their strengths are. He said that team-bonding played a big role in India’s success in 2018,” he added.
India is the most successful team in the tournament, having won four titles till date. In the last edition, they beat Australia by eight wickets in the final and remained unbeaten in the tournament.
However, Garg insists there is no pressure on the side.
“I am seeing it only as an opportunity to captain a team in such a big tournament. We’ve played so many events, so that’s an advantage for us. As a captain, all I’m thinking about is how to take my team forward... how to navigate the team out of difficult situations,” Garg said.
The 13th edition of the U-19 World Cup will be played among 16 teams, split into four groups.
India are placed in Group A with first-time qualifier Japan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super League stage.