India announce squad for U19 World Cup 2026 (Source: AFP)
In what seems to be a big piece of news for the Indian cricket fans, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced India's squad for the Men's U19 World Cup 2026 in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Young CSK star Ayush Mhatre is set to lead the Indian team in the prestigious cricket quadrennial for cricket's upcoming generation.
The Punjab-born batting all-rounder Vihaan Malhotra has been appointed as Mhatre's deputy for the tournament. The mix also includes India's teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, alongside Aaron George and Vedant Trivedi, and wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu to accompany in the batting lineup.
Here's a look at India's squad for the U19 World Cup 2026
Ayush Mhatre (C), Vihaan Malhotra (VC), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Aaron George, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan.
India U19 are placed in Group A, alongside the United States of America U19, Bangladesh U19, and New Zealand U19 as the other teams in the group. They will start their campaign with the tournament opener against USA U19 on January 15 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Following their campaign opener against Zimbabwe, they will take on Bangladesh U19 in the tournament's seventh game on January 17, before facing New Zealand U19 in their last group-stage fixture.
The tournament will be played in the super-six stage format, with the top three teams from Group A and B will advance to the super-six stage. The fourth-placed teams in Group A and Group D will take on each other, alongside fourth-placed in Group C and D in the placement stage.
India U19 eye comeback after Asia Cup 2025 debacle against Pakistan
India U19 under the captiancy of Ayush Mhatre had enjoyed a brilliant run in the Asia Cup 2025 before a big setback in the final against the arch-rivals Pakistan U19. Mhatre's men qualified for the tournament's summit clash without losing a single match both in group and super-four stage.
But. things went south for them in the final as they were bundled out at the score of just 156 runs while chasing a 347-run target. Eventually, their campaign in the continental tournament ended in a heartbreak with an embarrassing defeat against the Boys in Green.
Now, Mhatre's men will aim look forward to forget their tough memories of the Asia Cup 2025 final and make a strong comeback in the global event for the youngsters across. the cricketing globe.
India U19 set to prepare for World Cup with One-Day Series against South Africa U19
Before the commencement of the U19 World Cup 2026, India U9 will also tour South Africa for a three-match One-Day series against SA U19. The series will start on January 3 with the first One-Day at Willowmoore Park. Teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi will be leading the side as Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra will be on rest owing to their wrist injuries.
Here's a look at India U19 squad for South Africa tour
Vaibhav Suryavanshi (C), Aaron George (VC), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan, Yuvraj Gohil, Rahul Kumar
.jpg?type=mq "IPL 2026 Pacers rankings")
.jpg?type=mq "PAK probable squad")
