India has picked Ayush Mhatre to captain its Under-19 team at the 2026 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia starting January 15. The young opener will guide a talented squad including stars like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who steps in as leader for the South Africa tour before the big event.
This choice highlights India’s focus on building a strong youth side after recent successes in Asia and other tours. Mhatre brings experience from leading teams to victories abroad, setting high hopes for defending the title.
Squad Details and Key Selections
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the 15-member squad on December 27, 2025. This group blends batting power with solid bowling options to tackle tough opponents.
Selectors chose players based on recent form in domestic and international youth matches. Mhatre, a right-handed batsman from Mumbai, earned the role through consistent performances.
Here is the full India Under-19 World Cup squad:
- Ayush Mhatre (Captain)
- Vihaan Malhotra (Vice-Captain)
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi
- Aaron George
- Vedant Trivedi
- Abhigyan Kundu (Wicketkeeper)
- Harvansh Singh (Wicketkeeper)
- R.S. Ambrish
- Kanishk Chouhan
- Khilan A. Patel
- Mohamed Enaan
- Henil Patel
- D. Deepesh
- Kishan Kumar
- Udhav Mohan
A separate squad handles the South Africa series, with Suryavanshi at the helm. This setup allows injured players like Mhatre and Malhotra to recover at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Standby players include names like Yuvraj Gohil and Kanishk Chouhan for backups if needed.
Ayush Mhatre’s Rise to Leadership
Ayush Mhatre, an 18-year-old from Mumbai, has quickly climbed the ranks in youth cricket. He led India to the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai this December, scoring key runs along the way.
His aggressive batting style draws comparisons to top Indian openers. Mhatre also captained successful tours to England and Australia, winning series in both nations.
In domestic play, he impressed for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a century off just 53 balls. This form caught the eye of IPL teams, leading to his pickup by Chennai Super Kings.
Mhatre’s wrist injury sidelined him for the South Africa tour, but he aims to be fit for the World Cup opener. His leadership focuses on team unity and bold decisions under pressure.
Experts praise his calm approach, which helped India draw a youth Test series in England and sweep one in Australia.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Role and Recent Form
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old prodigy, takes charge for the three-match ODI series against South Africa Under-19 in Benoni on January 3, 5, and 7.
He shone in the Asia Cup with 261 runs, making him India’s second-highest scorer. Suryavanshi also smashed 190 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bihar, showing maturity beyond his years.
This tour offers him vital experience before joining the World Cup squad. His inclusion reflects India’s strategy to nurture young talent early.
Suryavanshi’s speed and technique have drawn attention from selectors, positioning him as a future star.
World Cup Schedule and Group Challenges
The 2026 Under-19 World Cup runs from January 15 to February 6 across Zimbabwe and Namibia. India defends its title in a format with 16 teams split into four groups.
Group B pits India against New Zealand, USA, and Bangladesh. Matches start in Bulawayo and move to other venues.
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| January 15 | USA | Bulawayo |
| January 17 | Bangladesh | Bulawayo |
| January 24 | New Zealand | Harare |
| January 26-30 | Super Six Stage | Various |
| February 3 | Semifinals | Harare |
| February 6 | Final | Harare |
The Super Six stage follows group play, leading to semifinals and the final in Harare. India aims to top its group for a smoother path.
Weather in Zimbabwe during January often brings rain, so teams prepare for interruptions. Namibia’s pitches favor seamers, adding strategy layers.
India’s Past Success and Expectations
India has won the Under-19 World Cup five times, most recently in 2022. Past captains like Virat Kohli and Prithvi Shaw went on to international fame.
This squad builds on that legacy with players from recent triumphs. The Asia Cup run showed resilience, though they lost the final to Bangladesh.
Coaches emphasize fitness and mental strength for the tournament. With talents like Abhigyan Kundu, who topped Asia Cup scoring with 271 runs, India looks balanced.
Fans expect another strong showing, especially after sweeping Australia in youth Tests this year.
Looking Ahead to the Tournament
Preparation includes the South Africa series for match practice. The full squad gathers in Zimbabwe for camps before the opener.
This World Cup could launch careers, much like previous editions. Mhatre’s team carries national hopes to bring home the trophy.
What do you think of India’s chances? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word with fellow cricket fans.
