ICC tournaments are one of the most prestigious tournaments in cricket. The top teams in the world square up against each other to win the trophy. The ICC 50-over World Cup is regarded as the number one ranked tournament in the game. Besides, there are also a few other important tournaments organized by the International Cricket Council.
India have performed extremely well when it comes to ICC tournaments. The Men in Blue have won the 50-over World Cup twice and have also ICC Champions Trophy and ICC 2007 T-20 World Cup trophy to their name. Given the fact that the ICC tournaments are not the easiest ones to perform, it witnesses a player’s character and skill on the biggest stage.
Amidst all the great performances showcased by Indian players in the ICC tournaments, there have been instances when the youngsters too stepped up and showcased their mettle.
On that note, we look at 5 youngest Indians who won Man of the Match award in ICC tournaments:
- Yuvraj Singh: 18 years and 299 days
Former left-handed batsman, Yuvraj Singh is the youngest Indian batsman to have won Man of the Match award in an ICC tournament. The quarter-final of ICC knockouts in 2000 between India and Australia saw Yuvraj Singh making his debut in International Cricket.
In his first-ever ODI innings, he played a sensational knock of 84 runs off 80 balls. His knock propelled India to a competitive 265-run total in the first innings. It proved too much for the Aussies as they got bundled out for 240. At just 18 years and 299 days, Yuvraj Singh received his first Man of the Match award in an ICC tournament.
- Sachin Tendulkar: 18 years and 314 days
Legendary batsman, Sachin Tendulkar is the second youngest batsman to have won Man of the Match award in an ICC tournament. His first significant contribution for India came against Pakistan in a league game of the Benson and Hedges World Cup 1992.
Batting first, India found themselves in a tough position at 147 for 5 in the 40th over. Playing at number five, Sachin Tendulkar then played a handy 62-ball 54-run knock to take India to 216 in 50 overs. It proved enough for Pakistan as they got bundled out for just 173 in the second innings. At just 18 years and 314 days, Sachin Tendulkar was handed Man of the Match award in an ICC tournament for his match-winning knock.
- Sachin Tendulkar: 18 years and 317 days
The very next game of the 1992 World Cup against Zimbabwe saw Sachin Tendulkar playing another masterclass knock. Sachin Tendulkar top-scored for the team with a quick fire 81, helping India reach 203 runs in the first innings. India won that game comfortably and Sachin was handed his second consecutive Man of the Match award in an ICC tournament.
- Rohit Sharma: 20 years and 143 days
India were playing a knockout game against South Africa in the 2007 T20 World Cup and were in deep trouble at 61 for 4. A young Rohit Sharma then stitched an important partnership with MS Dhoni and scored a valiant half-century off just 40 balls. His half-century helped India post a competitive total of 153 in 20 overs. India eventually won the game by 37 runs and Rohit Sharma won his first Man of the Match award in an ICC tournament at just 20 years and 143 days.
- Virat Kohli: 20 years and 329 days
India played against West Indies in an important game in the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy. The bowlers did well to restrict West Indies to just 129 in the first innings. However, India got off to the worst possible start in the second half and were tottering at 12 for 2. What followed was a superb knock from the then young Indian batsman, Virat Kohli. He compiled a beautiful knock of 79 runs off just 104 balls and helped India register a win by 7 wickets. At just 20 years and 329 days, Virat won his first Man of the Match award in an ICC tournament.
