New Delhi: As anticipation builds for the much-awaited India vs Pakistan showdown at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026, the Indian camp has received a major morale boost from one of the greatest names in the history of the game Sachin Tendulkar.
The Ayush Mhatre-led Indian side, set to face Pakistan on Sunday in a decisive Super Six encounter, had a virtual interaction with Tendulkar, with the session aimed at mentally preparing the youngsters for the pressure-packed contest. Images shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on social media showed several players, including Mhatre and rising batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi, attentively engaging with the batting legend. Former India cricketer and current National Cricket Academy head VVS Laxman was also part of the interaction.
Confirming the development, the BCCI said the Indian U-19 team had a valuable discussion with Tendulkar, calling it a rare and enriching experience for the next generation of cricketers. The board highlighted that the conversation went beyond technical cricketing advice.
According to the BCCI, Tendulkar emphasized the broader aspects of building a successful career stressing the importance of discipline, focus, humility, mental strength, and staying grounded, alongside maintaining fitness and improving skills in a constantly evolving sport. The interaction was described as a lesson not just for the upcoming match, but for long-term growth in international cricket.
The timing of the pep talk is significant, given the magnitude of the upcoming fixture. The India–Pakistan clash is the final Super Six match for both teams, and the result will determine the last remaining semi-final spot in the tournament. With England already securing qualification, the contest in Sunday’s match carries enormous weight.
India currently enjoys a stronger position on the points table, sitting on six points from three matches, while Pakistan has four points from the same number of games. India also boasts a far superior net run rate, meaning Pakistan will need a convincing victory to advance. India, on the other hand, could still reach the semi-finals even in defeat, though a win would likely see them finish top of the Super Six group.
With emotions running high, qualification at stake, and guidance from legends like Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman fresh in their minds, the Indian youngsters will enter the contest confident, focused, and keen to rise to the occasion in one of youth cricket’s biggest rivalries.