Cricket analyst and former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has hailed the performances of young talents Sachin Dhas and Uday Saharan for their remarkable contributions to the Indian team’s journey in the recently concluded U19 World Cup.
Despite India’s heartbreak in the final against Australia, the duo’s exploits with the bat were a silver lining, showing the depth of India’s cricketing talent pool.
Sachin Dhas, a standout performer throughout the tournament, garnered attention with his commanding batting display. Accumulating 303 runs at an impressive average of 60.60 and a strike rate of 116.53, Dhas demonstrated his talent across seven innings.
His innings of 116 runs against Nepal and a vital 96 in the semi-final against South Africa highlighted his ability to play crucial knocks. However, Dhas faced challenges in the final, managing only nine runs against Australia, as India faced a 79-run defeat in Benoni on February 11.
Aakash Chopra, in his analysis, particularly praised Dhas for his technique and flair, especially noting his proficiency in executing the pull shot.
“I liked Sachin Dhas a lot based on whatever I saw… He has got that flair. The pulls he hit against South Africa were to the left of midwicket. You need a special ability to do that,” Chopra remarked on his YouTube channel.
He appreciated Dhas’s ability to play with open arms, allowing him to maintain control over his shots and avoid getting cramped.
In addition to Dhas, Uday Saharan’s performance did not go unnoticed by Chopra. Saharan’s keen game sense and ability to construct innings were pivotal in India’s campaign. Amassing 397 runs with an average of 56.71 and a strike rate of 77.69, Saharan’s contributions included a century and three fifties.
His partnership with Dhas in the semi-final against South Africa, where they put up a 171-run stand for the fifth wicket, was particularly commendable, pulling India out of a tight spot.
Chopra’s endorsement of these young talents highlights the potential they hold for the future of Indian cricket. With Dhas’s aggressive batting style and Saharan’s solid approach to innings building, both players have marked themselves as players to watch. As they progress in their careers, the insights and accolades from cricketing experts like Aakash Chopra will undoubtedly serve as encouragement and motivation for them to achieve greater heights in the sport.
