Aaron George and…? India U19 Asia Cup prodigies who can get maiden IPL contracts

U19 players likely to shine in IPL mini-auction [Source: @VinodBro13648, @IDCForum/X.com]

The IPL 2026 mini-auction is just hours away, with 350 players set to go under the hammer. Apart from the obvious experienced international and domestic stars, a few young talents are also likely to make waves.

Currently, India’s young team is competing in the U19 Asia Cup. The team is performing well, and a few names have stood out for their gritty knocks and impressive spells.

On that note, let’s explore three such U19 players who are most likely to earn their maiden IPL contract at the upcoming mini-auction.

---

ALSO READ

Aaron George, Deepesh run riot as India thrash Pakistan in under-19 Asia Cup

---

1. Kanishk Chouhan 

1. Kanishk Chouhan [Source: @abhi7781_/X.com]

(Table: Kanishk Chouhan's stats in different tournaments held in 2025)

• A promising Indian U19 bowling all-rounder from Rajasthan, Kanishk Chouhan, upped his stakes with a 46 off 46 balls knock and a 3-wicket-haul against Pakistan U19. 
• Out of his last 8 youth games, he has gone wicketless in just one game. A right-arm off-break bowler, Kanishk is economical and can fetch wickets at the same time, a rare skill in T20Is.
• With the bat, he can pinch hit and dominate death over. In his short youth career, Kanishk Chouhan has proved himself as a genuine all-rounder, and teams like KKR and CSK can go after him.

2. Vihaan Malhotra

2. Vihaan Malhotra [Source: @debsknig/X.com]

(Table: Vihaan Malhotra's stats in different tournaments held in 2025)

• Left-hander Vihaan Malhotra is a solid middle-order batter who can bowl off-break as well. Against UAE U19, he smashed a solid 69. Moreover, in a tri-series ODI game against Bangladesh U19, Vihaan hammered 96 off 84 balls.
• Even on the Australia tour, Malhotra scored 70 and 40 in the second and third ODIs, respectively. Vihaan usually bats at no. 3 and no. 4.
• He can accelerate in the middle overs and can play spin well. Teams like LSG, KKR, CSK and even SRH can use his services before the finishers come into play.

3. Aaron George

3. Aaron George [Source: @Joppan___/X.com]

(Table: Aaron George's stats in first two games of U19 Asia Cup)

• A top-order batter from Kerala, Aaron George, saved India from a collapse with an extraordinary knock of 85 off 88 balls in the U19 Asia Cup game against Pakistan. Even against the UAE, he scored 69 runs. 
• George doesn’t have much experience under his belt. But he can be picked as a backup. PBKS, RCB and RR usually use young Indian batters in the top order. 
• In case someone goes through a rough patch, Aaron George might get a chance. But nevertheless, he is a solid backup at a low price. So, a contract is more or less confirmed for him.

---

ALSO READ

Ayush Mhatre defies ICC's request; maintains 'No-Handshake' policy in IND vs PAK U19 Asia Cup

---