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India U-19 Team Aims for Record 6th World Cup Title in Zimbabwe

ICC Chairman Jay Shah extended best wishes as the U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup begins, co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. The India U-19 team, captained by Ayush Mhatre, starts its campaign aiming for a record sixth title with a formidable recent record in Youth ODIs. Their batting is spearheaded by the prolific Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who averages over 54. The team will be looking for redemption after recent final losses in the Asia Cup and the 2024 U-19 World Cup.

Key Points: U-19 Cricket World Cup: India's Quest for 6th Title Begins

  • India seeks record 6th U-19 World Cup title
  • Team boasts strong 76% Youth ODI win rate
  • Batting led by star performer Vaibhav Suryavanshi
  • Tournament co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia
2 min read

"Our youth events have long been the pathway for cricket's biggest stars": ICC chairman Jay Shah ahead of U-19 CWC

ICC Chairman Jay Shah highlights youth pathway as India's U-19 team, led by Ayush Mhatre, starts its campaign for a record-extending sixth World Cup title.

"Our youth events have long been the pathway for some of cricket's biggest stars - Jay Shah"

New Delhi, January 15

The International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah wished Under-19 players luck as the ICC U-19 Men's World Cup kicks off on Thursday.

The 2026 edition will take place from January 15 to February 6 and will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.

In an X post, Jay Shah wrote, "Wishing all the teams and players best of luck in the @ICC Under-19 Men's @cricketworldcup starting on January 15 across host countries Zimbabwe and Namibia. Our youth events have long been the pathway for some of cricket's biggest stars, and I am sure that will be the case again."

The India Under-19 team will kick off its campaign for the record-extending sixth ICC U19 World Cup title against the USA in Bulawayo on Thursday, under the captaincy of Ayush Mhatre.

Leading up to the U19 World Cup, the Indian team has won 16 Youth ODIs and lost just five, with a fantastic win percentage of over 76. Heading into the tournament, they have the best win-loss ratio at 3.2.

Leading India's batting is Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has scored 973 runs in Youth ODIs at an average of 54.05, with three centuries and four fifties and a best score of 171. His strike rate is over 164, and he is one of the most dangerous batters heading into the tournament.

Leading up to the tournament, India U19 has won five of six series, with a 3-0 clean sweep at home against Australia, a tightly fought 3-2 win over England in the UK, and a 3-0 series win against Australia as highlights. They also secured a 3-0 series win in South Africa.

However, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under-19 Asia Cups have not been India's strongest tournaments, as they lost to Pakistan by 191 runs in a one-sided final last year and to Bangladesh Under-19 by 59 runs in 2024.

Team India, also lost by 79 runs to Australia in the U19 WC 2024 final, courtesy a fine spell from Mahli Beardman (3/15), which restricted India to 174 all out in chase of 254, will be aiming for revenge, while the Australian unit, led by Oliver Peake, would be aiming to level India with a fifth title win.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's great to see the tournament being co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. Spreading the game is so important. Good luck to all teams, but especially excited to see the young Indian talent on display.
A
Ananya R
Vaibhav Suryavanshi's stats are insane! An average of 54 with a strike rate over 164? He sounds like a future superstar. Hope he handles the pressure well. All the best, Team India! Bring the cup home.
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Rohit P
The recent losses in the Asia Cup and last WC final are a bit worrying, yaar. We have the best win-loss ratio but need to be clinical in the big matches. Hope the boys have worked on their temperament. Jai Hind!
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Karthik V
While I'm excited, I hope the BCCI and selectors don't put too much pressure on these kids. Let them play freely. The pathway is important, but so is protecting them from early burnout. A balanced view is needed.
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Michael C
As a cricket fan, it's always thrilling to watch the next generation. The India vs Australia rivalry is heating up even at this level! Should be a fantastic tournament. Best of luck to all the young players.

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