'100 per cent chance of winning' - Unmukt Chand confident of India's triumph in Under-19 World Cup

Published - 06 Feb 2026, 10:07 IST | Updated - 06 Feb 2026, 10:16 IST

Former India Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Unmukt Chand has expressed strong confidence in the Indian team’s chances of lifting their sixth title, praising the side’s balance, consistency, and collective effort throughout the tournament.

Chand, who lives in the United States of America now, also drew parallels with his own Under-19 World Cup triumph, noting that titles are often won not by the most dominant side on paper, but by teams that function cohesively under pressure. In that context, Chand believes the current Indian squad has shown maturity beyond its years, particularly in knockout situations.

Chand, who famously captained the Men in Blue to the marquee title in the 2012 edition of the tournament, highlighted how India’s performances so far reflect a unit that is both settled and adaptable, capable of handling pressure at the highest level.

“India have a 100 per cent chance of winning, the way they are playing. I think this is a very good team. More than anything else, I think this is a very complete team. The way they have played throughout the tournament, they deserve to win. In my time, we might not have been the best team, but we still won.

"Under the able leadership of Ayush, and with contributions from everyone else, I can’t single out one or two players because everyone has been important and played their part in this campaign up to the semi-finals. I am sure this final is going to be very interesting," Chand said via JioHotstar's Dil Se India show.

Clarke hails India all-rounder ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup

Chand’s comments underline a key theme of India’s journey so far: collective responsibility. Rather than relying on individual brilliance, the Indians have consistently received contributions across departments, whether with the bat, ball, or in the field. This balance has allowed Ayush Mhatre & Co. to maintain momentum through different phases of the tournament and adapt to varying match situations.

Leadership has been another standout factor, with Mhatre earning praise for guiding the side calmly through challenging moments. His ability to bring the best out of his teammates has helped create a strong team environment, one where every player feels involved and valued.

As the Indian contingent prepares for the final against England on Friday, the expectations do remain quite high, and rightly so. With form, confidence, and depth on their side, Chand believes India have all the ingredients required to finish the tournament on a winning note and add another chapter to their rich Under-19 World Cup legacy.