India U-19 World Cup 2026 squad announced: Ayush Mhatre to lead, Vaibhav Suryavanshi included

The BCCI has officially revealed the India Under-19 squads for the upcoming tour of South Africa and the highly anticipated ICC Men’s U19 World Cup. The World Cup, scheduled to take place in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026, will see the Indian U19 squad fighting for a record-extending sixth title.

Also Read: Domestic cricket reality check: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s Vijay Hazare Trophy pay revealed

However, the big and somewhat concerning news coming out is regarding Captain Ayush Mhatre and Vice-Captain Vihaan Malhotra. Both of them are key players of the squad. Unfortunately, both have sustained wrist injuries and will miss the warm-up tour in South Africa. They will report to the BCCI Center of Excellence for rehab and are expected to join the U19 squad directly for the U19 World Cup.

In their absence, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been named captain of the U19 squad for the three-match ODI series in South Africa, which runs from January 3rd to 7th in Benoni. This series will serve as crucial preparation before the main event. For the World Cup, a fully fit Ayush Mhatre will return to lead the charge. India has been placed in Group B alongside New Zealand, the USA, and Bangladesh, kicking off their campaign against the USA on January 15 in Bulawayo.

India U19 Squad for World Cup 2026:

Ayush Mhatre (C), Vihaan Malhotra (VC), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan.

India U19 Squad for SA Tour:

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (C), Aaron George (VC), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan, Yuvraj Gohil, Rahul Kumar.