Calcutta: India are in for a tough fight for a Super League berth in the ICC Under-19 World Cup with group B also featuring the West Indies, South Africa and Papua New Guinea.

India, the one-time champions (2000), have been overshadowed in the last few years by arch-rivals Pakistan who will gun for a hattrick of titles, according to a media release.

Under the guidance of former Sri Lanka and Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore, India are one of the favourites. Captain Viraat Kohli has made 373 runs at an average of 53 in the five first-class matches of his career till date, including a top score of 159. Kohli had a strong domestic season, having averaged 72.67 for Delhi in last season’s Cooch Behar Trophy.

Batsman Sreevats Goswami has been in excellent form, scoring 104 against Bangladesh and 97 against South Africa in a triangular series in Pretoria recently.

“Hopes are high and the boys have talent,” said Kohli. “However, all the teams are good and none should be taken lightly.,” he said.