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RR, CSK young guns included: India U19 talents who could feature in T20 World Cup 2028

Sakshi Sharma

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Source: AFP)Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Source: AFP)

As India prepares for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at home, attention has already begun to shift towards the future. The recent Under-19 Asia Cup showcased several young Indian players who, despite finishing runners-up, impressed with their talent and temperament. 

With the T20 World Cup 2028 on the horizon, some of these youngsters could emerge as strong contenders for selection if they continue on their current path. Here's a closer look at five U19 Asia Cup players who might represent India in the next T20 World Cup.

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Vaibhav Suryavanshi is already being spoken about as one of India’s most exciting young talents. At just 14 years old, he stunned everyone during IPL 2025 with the Rajasthan Royals. He scored 252 runs in seven matches, including a historic 101 off just 38 balls against the Gujarat Titans.

That knock made him the youngest centurion in IPL history and the second-fastest to reach a hundred in the league.

In the recently concluded U19 Asia Cup, Suryavanshi began in explosive fashion, smashing 171 against the UAE. While his form dipped later in the tournament, the flashes of brilliance showed why he is seen as a long-term prospect.

2. Ayush Mhatre

Ayush Mhatre captained India during the U19 Asia Cup but had a quiet tournament with the bat. The CSK star scored just 65 runs in five innings at an average of 13.00 and strike-rate of 112.07. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, Mhatre impressed with his bat by scoring 325 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 166.67.

He has also made headlines in List A cricket, scoring 458 runs at an average of 65.43 and becoming the youngest player in the world to score 150 or more in a List A innings. Though the Asia Cup did not go as planned personally, Mhatre’s leadership skills and aggressive batting style suit the T20 format well.

3. Vihaan Malhotra

Vihaan Malhotra grabbed attention recently when he was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

He justified the faith almost immediately, playing a match-winning knock in the semi-final against Sri Lanka to guide India into the final in the Asia Cup U19. Malhotra also scored a half-century against the UAE and contributed with the ball as well.

Taking a look at his overall stats in the U19 Asia Cup 2025, the star player made 156 runs in 5 innings at a strike rate of 109.09 and an average of 39.00.

4. Deepesh Devendran

Deepesh Devendran was India’s standout bowler in the U19 Asia Cup. He finished as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament and picked up wickets in every match he played. His best performances included a five-wicket haul against Malaysia and three wickets against Pakistan in the group stage. Taking a look at his stats, he has bagged 14 wickets in five innings at an economy rate of 4.77.

The young bowler also showcased his performance in the high-pressure final match against Pakistan, where he took three crucial wickets, giving 83 runs. His consistency and control could make him a valuable asset in T20 cricket as he moves up the ranks.

5. Abhigyan Kundu

Abhigyan Kundu created history by scoring an unbeaten 209 against Malaysia, becoming the first Indian Under-19 batter to hit a double century. He also showed his T20 skills with a quick 32 off 17 balls against the UAE.

While he struggled against Pakistan, Kundu’s ability to score big runs highlights his potential. With improved performances against stronger bowling attacks, he could develop into a dependable top-order option for India.