U-19 World Cup a stepping stone for intl cricket: Virendra Sehwag

The 33-year-old from Najafgarh, who has scored 8,178 Test and 8,204 ODI runs, played in the 1998 U19 CWC in South Africa and had a modest tournament by his very high standards. Sehwag made three against Kenya, 10 against Scotland, 38 against South Africa, zero against Pakistan, seven against Australia and 18 against England.

He also picked up seven wickets with his off-spin during the tournament.

India failed to reach the Super League final of the World Cup after losing out to eventual winner England and Australia in Group A on net run-rate.

"We played against a lot of top teams - South Africa, England, Australia, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Pakistan - in that event. It was a great platform. Any player who performs at that level can harbour hopes of playing at the highest level," he said.

"The tournament always remains in my mind because that was my first trip outside India. It was also the first time I played U-19 internationals. I was picked for first-class cricket thereafter because of that trip and very soon I played for India."

"I will never forget the moment when I wore the India U-19 blazer for the first time. I felt proud that I was playing for my country," added the right-handed opener.

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