Kishan Kumar Singh Poised to Make Impact for India at U19 World Cup
Table of Contents
India’s rising pace star, Kishan Kumar Singh, is ready to showcase his talent on the global stage as he prepares for the ICC U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia. The 19-year-old left-arm pacer has demonstrated remarkable grit and determination, earning him a well-deserved spot in the 15-player squad.
From Bihar Village to Global Stage
Kishan’s journey is a testament to the ambition and hard work prevalent in India’s burgeoning cricketing landscape. Recognizing the need for advanced training, the young bowler migrated from Nandlalpur village in Bhagalpur, Bihar, to join the Ashish Nehra Cricket Academy at DPS School in Naini, Prayagraj, in 2017. There, he has been meticulously guided by former UP woman player Swati Singh, alongside coaches Yash Vardhan and Shivram.
This dedication has yielded impressive results. Kishan secured 40 wickets in domestic U19 events in 2024 and contributed five wickets during the Asia Cup, solidifying his position as a key prospect for the national team. “I always wanted to play for India and the World Cup is a big opportunity for me to show my calibre to the world,” Kishan stated recently.
Building Momentum for the World Cup
Before the U19 World Cup, scheduled to run from January 16 to February 6 at Benoni’s Willowmoore Park, India will participate in three U19 one-day matches against hosts South Africa. Willowmoore Park is known for its pitch conditions that favor fast bowlers, offering bounce and carry – an ideal environment for Kishan to hone his skills. This preparatory series will be crucial for Kishan to move past a challenging outing in the U19 Asia Cup final against Pakistan in Dubai, where he was unable to secure a wicket.
Currently training at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Kishan acknowledges the high stakes. He believes the intensity of the World Cup clashes will be comparable to the Asia Cup, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and executing his plans effectively. “Asia Cup matches taught us how to prepare for the bigger challenges and I am sure we will come out with much better performances at the World Cup. I want to return with the winner’s trophy,” he affirmed.
Mentorship and Rising Performances
Kishan’s development has been significantly influenced by his association with Gujarat Titans and former India pacer Ashish Nehra, the team’s head coach. “Under Nehra sir’s guidance at the GT nets in the last two years, I have learnt a lot. I keep discussing my bowling with him,” Kishan revealed. He views the U19 World Cup as a vital stepping stone in his career, remaining focused on success in the tournament.
His recent performances demonstrate his potential. In September, Kishan claimed 3/11 for Lucknow Falcons against Kashi Rudras in the UPT20 League. Prior to that, he impressed selectors with a four-wicket haul for Uttar Pradesh against Jharkhand in an U19 game. He also excelled in youth internationals, taking 5/74 in two youth Tests against Australia U19 and eight wickets in six youth one-dayers, leading to his selection for the India U19 tour of Australia in September-October under the captaincy of Ayush Mhatre.
A Dedicated Athlete
Coaches praise Kishan’s unwavering commitment and natural talent. According to Swati Singh, “His ability to swing the ball either way is something amazing. His fitness stands out; he does not miss training whenever he is in Prayagraj. Once he was running fever, but when I asked why he had come, he said he didn’t want to miss even a single session.” She also highlighted his resilience in overcoming injuries and his consistent performance in UP teams, adding, “He has got the knack for excelling and I am sure he is going to give his best at the U19 World Cup. He is a training freak and doesn’t mind challenging any batter.”
Swati Singh is confident that Kishan’s success will inspire aspiring cricketers from Uttar Pradesh and her academy to pursue their dreams of representing India. As Kishan prepares to take the field, he embodies the spirit of determination and the promise of a bright future for Indian cricket.
