Chapter 26: U19 trials 2011 I

Cricket is not just a sport in India, it is a religion. The country boasts of a massive fan following and a rich history of producing world-class cricketers. The U19 trials in India are the starting point for many aspiring cricketers to realize their dreams of playing for their country and even getting picked for the Indian Premier League (IPL). The IPL is one of the most-watched T20 leagues in the world and offers a great platform for young Indian cricketers to showcase their talent and potentially earn a spot in the Indian cricket team.

The U19 trials are a crucial step in a young cricketer's journey towards becoming a professional player. The trials provide an opportunity for the players to showcase their skills in front of coaches and selectors. The U19 trials are known for their tough and rigorous selection process, which includes various rounds of physical fitness tests, batting, bowling and fielding drills. The competition is intense, and only the most talented players make it to the next stage.

The U19 team is a stepping stone towards the Indian cricket team. Many of India's top cricketers like Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and S. Badrinath have started their journey by playing for the U19 team. These players went on to make a name for themselves in the IPL and eventually earned a spot in the Indian cricket team. They are now some of the most well-known and successful cricketers in the world.

Nitish, like many young cricketers in India, is excited about the U19 trials. This is his chance to prove himself and make a name for himself in the cricketing world. Nitish has been training hard for months, and he is confident that he can impress the selectors. Nitish dreams of playing in the IPL and eventually making it to the Indian cricket team. He knows that this is a long and arduous journey, but he is ready to put in the hard work and dedication required to succeed.

The U19 trials in India are not just a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent, but they are also an opportunity to learn from experienced coaches and players. The coaches at the trials are some of the best in the country, and they offer valuable insights and guidance to the young cricketers. The U19 team is also a great platform for the players to develop their skills and gain valuable experience playing against other talented players from around the country.

Nitish was thrilled to participate in the U19 cricket trials. He had a deep passion for the game and wanted to make a name for himself in the cricket world. However, Nitish was not alone in his quest for success. His cousin, who had a terrible reputation for being a spoiled rich kid, was also participating in the trials. Despite being from the same family, Nitish's cousin had a significant advantage due to his father's wealth and influence. Nitish's uncle was known for finding people's weaknesses and exploiting them, which made Nitish feel uneasy about his cousin's participation.

Determined to prove his worth on the field, Nitish spent his time focusing on his weaknesses. He knew that his fielding skills needed improvement, and he worked hard to overcome his shortcomings. Nitish understood that in cricket, being good at either batting or bowling was considered talented, but being proficient in both was considered genius. His ultimate idol was AB de Villiers, a cricketer who was talented in all three aspects of the game: batting, bowling, and fielding. Nitish aspired to be like him and strived hard to improve his skills.