U-19 World Cup a stepping stone for intl cricket: Sehwag

"I think whoever plays well in the ICC U19 CWC 2012 and keeps performing well in first-class cricket could also end up traveling to Australia for the ICC CWC 2015. I'm hoping a couple of guys will come through, especially for India," said Sehwag, in an ICC media release.

"The players have a great opportunity to go out there, play with and against the best and perform well. They will be motivated and will get a lot of self-confidence. The players will also make a lot of friends for life during the tournament," he said.

Sehwag, India's only triple centurion in Test cricket, urged the young players to give it their best shot when they participate in the event, which will be staged from August 11-26 in Queensland.

"Go there and give your best, just make the most of the opportunity. Try to win the World Cup for your country."

On being asked what advise he would give the youngsters participating in the event, he said, "It doesn't matter if it is U-19 or emerging team, if you perform at that level you get the confidence that you can actually play and compete against international teams."

"Mohammad Kaif won it in 2000 and Virat Kohli lifted the trophy in 2008. Maybe, this time, the India captain (Unmukt Chand) can lift the Cup again and make us proud. Every single player from the current India team is wishing the very best of luck to the India team in the U-19 CWC 2012," said Sehwag. (More)