The Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled India’s Beneath-19 squads for 2 main upcoming assignments – U19 tour of South Africa and U19 World Cup 2026. The 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been named captain for the three-match ODI collection in South Africa beginning January 3, whereas common skipper Ayush Mhatre is predicted to retain the captaincy for the extremely anticipated U19 World Cup, that begins on January 15. Notably, the multi-team occasion will likely be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi set to steer India U19 in South Africa tour
In a transfer that highlights his meteoric rise, Suryavanshi will lead the Indian aspect throughout their temporary preparatory tour of South Africa. At simply 14 years of age, Suryavanshi turns into the youngest participant to ever captain an Indian consultant aspect at this degree. The Bihar-born batter, who was lately honoured with Bal Puruskar Award, has been in blistering kind. He lately turned the youngest centurion in Listing A cricket historical past and ended 2025 as India’s main run-scorer in Youth ODIs. Becoming a member of him within the management group for the South Africa tour is Aaron George, who will function vice-captain.
The South Africa tour is being seen as an important preparatory part, providing younger gamers publicity to abroad situations and aggressive cricket forward of the worldwide match later within the month.
Additionally READ: England announces squad for U19 World Cup 2026, Thomas Rew to lead
Ayush Mhatre named India captain for U19 World Cup 2026
The common management duo of Mhatre (captain) and Vihaan Malhotra (vice-captain) is predicted to return at U19 World Cup 2026. Each gamers sustained wrist accidents, which compelled them to skip the South Africa tour. The BCCI medical group has opted for a cautious method, directing the pair to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.
The U19 match will characteristic 16 groups divided into 4 teams, adopted by the Tremendous Six stage, semi-finals and the ultimate in Harare. 5-time champions India have been drawn in Group B alongside New Zealand, Bangladesh and the USA. The Boys in Blue will start their marketing campaign in opposition to the USA on January 15 on the Queens Sports activities Membership in Bulawayo.
India’s squad for South Africa tour: 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
India’s squad for ICC Males’s 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.
Additionally READ: Australia name strong squad for U19 World Cup 2026, Oliver Peake to lead
