U-19 Cricket World Cup: Hyderabad's Avanish Rao, Murugan Abhishek included in Indian team

Hyderabad: Hyderabad's budding cricketers Avanish Rao and Murugan Abhishek are on cloud nine after they were included in India's Under-19 team for the upcoming World Cup in South Africa.

The duo, currently in Dubai representing India Under-19 in the Asia Cup, expressed their joy following India's decisive victory over Nepal, propelling them into the semifinals.

For 18-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Avanish Rao, donning the national colors is a dream realized. “It’s my dream to play for the country. Getting selected to represent India's under-19 team in the World Cup is a dream come true and a step closer to my ultimate goal. I am very happy,” he said.

Avanish's impressive performances in various tournaments, including a century in the Vinoo Mankad matches and noteworthy contributions in the Challengers Trophy, paved the way for his selection.

Avanish, the first-choice wicketkeeper in the ongoing Asia Cup, attributes his cricketing inspiration to former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist. “He is my favorite cricketer and I admire him a lot,” he mentioned.

Right-arm off-spinner Murugan Abhishek shares Avanish's excitement, “I can’t describe my feelings right now. I am very happy. I want to do well for the team and win the World Cup. That is my next target,” he said.

Abhishek, who trains with coach Iqbal at the Iqbal Cricket Academy, expressed his dream of playing for the country one day, drawing inspiration from Virat Kohli.

Abhishek's consistent performances in the under-19 Vinoo Mankad Trophy and Challengers Trophy solidified his place in the Indian under-19 squad for the World Cup. Reflecting on his selection, he emphasized the boost it provides to his career, saying, “The India team selection is a big boost at this point in my career. I am working hard on my batting along with the bowling.”

Both cricketers, having made their debut for the Hyderabad senior team in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, are eager to showcase their skills on the global stage. Abhishek, who admires bowlers Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar, expressed his determination to excel as a finisher in the Indian team.

Looking ahead, both Avanish Rao and Murugan Abhishek have set their sights on the IPL, having enlisted their names for the upcoming auctions. With dreams of donning the national colors and representing their state in the prestigious league, these young talents from Hyderabad are poised for promising cricketing careers.