Saumy Pandey in action at U-19 World Cup. (Courtesy: ICC)

India”s U-19 World Cup sensation Saumy Pandey has downplayed his comparisons with premier Team India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, calling it unfair. Pandey has ignited the comparisons with his straighter deliveries and variations. His mode of dismissing the batters in the U-19 World Cup has been compared to Jadeja”s as it almost looks like a mirror image.

The India U-19 vice-captain has been a revelation in the World Cup, scalping 16 wickets in five matches, which is the highest for any spinner in the ongoing showpiece event. He has also picked up three four-wicket hauls and a hat-trick in the U-19 World Cup but swayed away from the comparisons.

“It”s unfair. He is a legend. I have just started my career. It”s unfair for me,” Saumy Pandey said ahead of India”s U19 World Cup semi-final vs South Africa in Benoni on Tuesday, February 6.

The left-arm spinner went unsold in the IPL 2024 auction. He is focused on staying in the present and delivering the best for his side. Pandey has been the go-to spinner for India U-19 captain Uday Saharan and has bowled with the new ball while showing his versality in the death. It has been a dream run for the spinner from Madhya Pradesh who has outfoxed many rising stars at will.

“I am enjoying my responsibility as I am part of the leadership group. My captain is doing a fantastic job. There”s nothing to do much for me,” he added.

Team India will face a power-packed South African side in the U-19 World Cup semi-finals on Tuesday. India are unbeaten in the showpiece event while South Africa have lost only one match while advancing to the semi-finals. The young Indian side had plenty of time to get used to the conditions in South Africa after having played a quadrangular series before the marquee event.