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Varun Aaron: U-19 Cricket is About Expressing Yourself Fearlessly

Former Indian cricketer Varun Aaron has emphasised the importance of freedom and self-expression for players at the Under-19 level ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He stated that coaches want the boys to play without pressure and showcase their natural game during these formative years. India, the five-time champions, will begin their campaign in Group B against the USA, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. The squad is captained by Ayush Mhatre for the tournament scheduled in Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6, 2026.

Key Points: Varun Aaron on U-19 World Cup: Play with Freedom

  • U-19 World Cup 2026 in Namibia & Zimbabwe
  • India in Group B with NZ, USA, Bangladesh
  • Focus on fearless, natural cricket
  • India are five-time champions
2 min read

"Under-19 cricket is about expressing yourself": Varun Aaron ahead of U-19 World Cup 2026

Former pacer Varun Aaron says U-19 cricket is for self-expression as India's junior team, led by Ayush Mhatre, prepares for the 2026 World Cup.

"Under-19 cricket is about expressing yourself... this is the stage where they should simply be themselves. - Varun Aaron"

New Delhi, January 5

As India's U-19 boys prepare for the upcoming ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 with a focus on fearless cricket. Former Indian cricketer Varun Aaron, speaking ahead of the ICC U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia 2026, emphasised the importance of allowing youngsters to express themselves freely during these formative years. Varun Aaron spoke about India's next generation and the mindset guiding the junior setup. The prestigious event is scheduled to take place in Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6, 2026. Led by Ayush Mhatre, the five-time champions India have been placed in Group B alongside New Zealand, USA and Bangladesh. "Under-19 cricket is about expressing yourself. There is always pressure to perform at any level, even from Under-14s, but the coaches with this group just want the boys to play with freedom and show their natural game on the field. Those under-19 years never come back, so this is the stage where they should simply be themselves," Varun Aaron said on JioStar.

The five-time champions, India, will begin their campaign against the United States of America on January 15 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, followed by matches against Bangladesh on January 17 at the same venue and against New Zealand on January 24.

India has clinched five titles in the Under-19 World Cup history. They clinched titles under the captaincy of Mohammad Kaif (2000), Virat Kohli (2008), Unmukt Chand (2018), Prithvi Shaw (2018), and Yash Dhull (2022).

India squad for Under-19 World Cup: Ayush Mhatre (captain), Vihaan Malhotra (vice-captain), Abhigyan Kundu (wicketkeeper), Harvansh Singh (wicketkeeper), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, Vedant Trivedi, R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I love this philosophy. The pipeline from U-19 to the senior team has given us legends like Kohli. Focusing on freedom now builds confidence for the big stage later. Excited to see this new batch!
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Vikram M
Group looks manageable, but Bangladesh U-19 is always a tough fight. Hope the boys remember it's not just about winning, but playing good, positive cricket. All the best!
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Rohit P
While I agree with the sentiment, I respectfully disagree a little. Expression is good, but discipline and playing for the team is equally important at this level. Can't just have everyone playing their "natural game" if it costs the team. Need a balance.
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Priya S
So proud to see the next generation! The squad looks promising. Hope they get good exposure and learn from the experience, win or lose. Best of luck Team India! 💙
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Michael C
Interesting to see the USA in the group. Cricket is growing there. For India, this tournament is more about spotting future stars than just the trophy, though winning is always sweet! Five-time champs, let's go for six!

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