NewKerala.com

Ayush Mhatre to Lead India's U19 World Cup Charge in 2026: Squad Announced

The BCCI has announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup 2026, with Ayush Mhatre appointed as captain. India, the five-time champions, are placed in Group B alongside New Zealand, the USA, and Bangladesh for the tournament in Namibia and Zimbabwe. The team will begin its campaign against the USA on January 15 in Bulawayo, following a preparatory ODI series against South Africa. The squad aims to add a sixth title to India's impressive history in the competition, last won under Yash Dhull in 2022.

Key Points: India U19 World Cup 2026 Squad: Ayush Mhatre Captain

  • Ayush Mhatre named captain
  • Squad for Namibia & Zimbabwe 2026
  • India in Group B with NZ, USA, Bangladesh
  • Five-time champions begin vs USA Jan 15
2 min read

BCCI announces squad for ICC Men's U19 World Cup 2026, Ayush Mhatre to lead 15-member side

BCCI names 15-member India squad for U19 World Cup 2026 in Namibia & Zimbabwe. Ayush Mhatre to lead five-time champions in Group B.

"Led by Ayush Mhatre, the five-time champions India have been placed in Group B alongside New Zealand, USA and Bangladesh. - BCCI Announcement"

Mumbai, December 27

The Board of Control for Cricket in India have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup on Saturday. Ayush Mhatre will lead the young side in the marquee tournament.

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.

India Under-19 side's last assignment was the recently concluded Asia Cup in the UAE, which they lost in the final against arch-rivals Pakistan.

Ahead of the World Cup, India is scheduled to play a three-match ODI series against South Africa. Vaibhav Suryavanshi will lead the young side in the absence of Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra, who are out injured.

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

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting mix of players. Good to see two wicketkeepers for flexibility. But I'm a bit concerned about the injuries to Mhatre and Malhotra before the SA series. Hope they recover fully in time for the main event.
R
Rohit P
The legacy is huge! Kaif, Kohli, Dhull... now it's Ayush Mhatre's turn. No pressure, boys! Just go out there and play your natural game. The group looks manageable, but can't take Bangladesh lightly.
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living abroad, it's exciting to see the next generation. The tournament being in Namibia/Zim adds a different challenge. Best of luck to the young team!
V
Vikram M
With all respect to the selectors, I feel the squad is a bit light on spin options for African conditions. Hope the all-rounders can chip in. The series against South Africa will be a crucial warm-up.
K
Kavya N
So many new names to learn! This is what I love about U19 cricket - discovering future stars. All the best, boys! Make the nation proud. Jai Hind!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50