Yesterday

On December 17, when the West Indies announced their 15-man squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup, it was a significant achievement for Aadian Racha from Rio Claro, who is the only player from Trinidad selected.

A right-arm fast bowler and left-handed batsman, Racha has transitioned from being an opening batsman to a promising all-rounder. He is now set to represent the young Men in Maroon during the Under-19 World Cup in Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6.

Last year, Racha played a pivotal role in the under-19 team’s victories against Sri Lanka (4-3) and England (5-2) in the Youth One Day International series. He participated in eight matches, scoring 85 runs at an average of 17, with scores of 31 and 25 in crucial situations. Additionally, he took 11 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 4.53, with standout performances of 3 for 37 and 4 for 21 against Sri Lanka and England respectively.

In Group D of the under-19 World Cup, the West Indies will face Afghanistan, South Africa, and Tanzania, beginning their campaign against Tanzania on January 15, following warm-up matches against Ireland and Japan on January 10 and 13.

Racha is confident he can replicate his impressive performances. He emphasizes sticking to his strengths and maintaining patience and consistency in his game. “I believe with dedication and persistence, I can deliver similar results at the World Cup,” he stated in an interview.

Reflecting on his selection, Racha shared how meaningful it is for him and his family. He expressed gratitude to God and CWI for the chance to represent his region and country on such a prominent platform. He noted that achieving this dream is also fulfilling a long-held aspiration of his father.

Due to financial constraints, CWI implemented strict training protocols instead of a live-in camp. With support from mentors like former TT leg-spinner Imran Khan and current Red Force coach Rayad Emrit, Racha has engaged in intensive training and scenario simulations. He is focused on perfecting his skills and remains optimistic about the team’s potential in the World Cup, saying, “We have a strong bond and clarity about our roles, giving us a great chance in the tournament.”

The tournament will see 16 teams divided into four groups, with the top three from each group advancing to the Super Six phase, leading to the semifinals on February 3 and 4, followed by the final on February 6 at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.