Archive · 12 Nov 2025
India U-19 Bowling Coach Details World Cup Prep and Junior Team Challenges
India's young cricket team is getting ready for the Under-19 World Cup, and their bowling coach, Rajib Datta, shared how they're preparing.
The team has been training for almost a year, focusing on making sure the players feel confident to play their best.
Coaching younger players is similar to coaching older ones, as the goal is always to help them be in the right mindset and have strong skills.
Coaches look at many things when picking players, like how they handle pressure, their skills, and even how they behave off the field.
The coach explained that becoming a top player is a long journey, moving from junior teams to older teams.
He also mentioned that while the team wants to win, they don't dwell on past results, focusing instead on giving players chances to grow and learn in different conditions around the world.
The preparation for this World Cup started long ago, with special attention paid to adapting to different types of cricket grounds.
India's U-19 team is preparing for the 2026 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia, aiming for their sixth title.
Bowling coach Rajib Datta emphasized an 8-9 month preparation period, highlighting the Centre of Excellence's role.
Coaching junior teams involves focusing on player mindset and skills, with preparation remaining consistent for various tournaments.
Player selection considers performance under pressure, tactical, technical, physical, mental, and life skills.
Datta stressed that progression to senior levels is a continuous process of performance and development.
- Who
- Rajib Datta, India's Under-19 bowling coach and lead faculty at CoE
- What
- Discussed preparation for the upcoming Under-19 World Cup, challenges of coaching junior teams, player development, and the long-term process for young cricketers.
- When
- In the lead-up to the 2026 Under-19 World Cup, starting in January.
- Where
- During an interview on the sidelines of the Challengers Trophy game between Team B and Team C.
- Why
- To provide insights into the development process and strategies for the junior national cricket team.
- Tournament
- 2026 Under-19 World Cup
- Team India Goal
- Win sixth title
- Preparation Duration
- 8-9 months
- Upcoming Tours
- Zimbabwe and Namibia
- Key Player Development Areas
- Tactical, technical, physical, mental, life skills
- Coaching Philosophy
- Focus on player expression and best possible preparation, regardless of tournament stature.