India name squad for U19 World Cup 2026
The Ayush Mhatre led-side will face South Africa in a three-match ODI series prior to the ICC Men's U19 World Cup scheduled to start on January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Five-time champions India have confirmed their squad for the ICC Men's U19 World Cup 2026.
Led by Ayush Mhatre, India have been placed in Group B alongside New Zealand, USA, and Bangladesh.
Talented batting all-rounder Vihaan Malhotra will serve as Mhatre's deputy at the tournament in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
India's squad for U19 World Cup 2026:
Ayush Mhatre (C), R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, D. Deepesh, Mohamed Enaan, Aaron George, Abhigyan Kundu, Kishan Kumar Singh, Vihaan Malhotra, Udhav Mohan, Henil Patel, Khilan A. Patel, Harvansh Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi.
The side recently competed at the U19 Asia Cup, where Pakistan defeated them in the summit clash.
19-year-old top-order batter Aaron George was the top-scorer for India with 228 runs, while 17-year-old medium pacer Deepesh Devendran was the highest wicket-taker for India with nine scalps.
While Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was the player in focus, another young talent stepped into the spotlight.
17-year-old wicket-keeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu was also in the spotlight as he scored an unbeaten 209* off 125 deliveries in India's 315-run victory against Malaysia. His knock was laced with 17 boundaries and nine maximums.
As the side prepares for the three-match ODI series against South Africa, they will be without skipper Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra, who recover from injuries. The duo will remain at the BCCI Centre of Excellence for further management of these injuries prior to joining up with the squad for the World Cup starting January 15.
India have made a further two changes to their side from the U19 Asia Cup with Yuvraj Gohil and Naman Pushpak stepping aside for R.S. Ambrish and Mohamed Enaan.
India will kickstart their campaign against the USA on January 15 at the Queen's Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
