U-19 Women's T20 World Cup 2023: Sachin Tendulkar backs Team India to deliver 'stand-out' performance

India batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has extended his best wishes to the U-19 women's team, showing immense faith in their ability ahead of the 2023 U-19 Women's World Cup in South Africa. 

Senior India women's team batter Shafali Verma will lead the troops at the marquee event while her compatriot Richa Ghosh has also been named in the 15-member squad. 

Sachin Tendulkar backs U-19 India girls

“I would say that the women's team has the capability to be one of the standout sides this time, the team has a good balance of few experienced players as well as young talented prospects both in the batting as well as bowling department," the master blaster wrote in a column for the ICC. 

Tendulkar further went on to highlight how this event will provide a huge platform for girls around the world to showcase their talent and express themselves, and that such ICC events will undoubtedly encourage the widespread growth and popularity of women's cricket a great manifold.

"The Under-19 event is a first-time event and one that holds a lot of promise. I think this can transform the landscape, since a global platform will ensure great learning and experience to young women cricketers. Though women's cricket has made huge strides, there are areas still to be tapped. What is required right now is a more robust grassroots system across the world," the 49-year-old wrote.

"The larger we spread the base, the more talent we will unearth and that will have a direct bearing on the quality of the game. I feel the inaugural tournament will ensure that happens. Going beyond showcasing the best junior talent of the world, it will ensure more investment in junior cricket in different countries, resulting in a consistent feeder line for future U19 World Cups as well as senior cricket."

The India U-19 team will begin their campaign against hosts South Africa at the Willowmoore Park, Benoni on Saturday. 

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