The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the India Under-19 squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series in South Africa and the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026, set for Zimbabwe and Namibia.
India U19 squad for ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026
Mumbai's dynamic opener Ayush Mhatre has been appointed captain for the World Cup, with Vihaan Malhotra as his deputy. The squad features the highly anticipated inclusion of 14-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose aggressive strokeplay has already turned heads in domestic and youth cricket.
The 15-member team for the global event balances youth and experience as India aim for a record sixth title. Key players include wicketkeeper-batters Abhigyan Kundu and Harvansh Singh, all-rounders like Mohamed Enaan, and promising pacers such as D. Deepesh.
Full Squad
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.
Road to the U19 World Cup
The tournament spans January 15 to February 6, with 16 nations split into four groups, leading to Super Sixes, semifinals, and the Harare final.
As five-time winners (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022), India slot into Group B with Bangladesh, New Zealand, and USA. Their campaign kicks off versus USA on January 15 in Bulawayo, followed by Bangladesh (January 17) and New Zealand (January 24).
India’s squad for South Africa tour
The Junior Selection Committee picked separate squads for the South Africa tour and for the World Cup. For the three ODIs in Benoni starting January 3, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will lead the side, with Aaron George as vice-captain.
Notably, captain Ayush Mhatre and vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra miss the tour due to wrist injuries. They will rehabilitate at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and rejoin for the World Cup.
Full squad
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (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
South Africa tour schedule
1st ODI: Saturday, January 3, 2026
2nd ODI: Monday, January 5, 2026
3rd ODI: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
