India announces squad for U19 World Cup, Ayush Mhatre named captain

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced India’s squad for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026, naming Ayush Mhatre as the captain for the tournament. Alongside the World Cup squad, the BCCI also unveiled the team for the upcoming Under-19 tour of South Africa, which will serve as crucial preparation ahead of the global event scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Mhatre will lead a strong Indian team in the U19 World Cup, with Vihaan Malhotra appointed as his deputy. Malhotra, who recently grabbed attention after being picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the IPL auction, is expected to play a crucial role in the build-up to the tournament. However, both Mhatre and Malhotra have been ruled out of the South Africa tour due to wrist injuries and will instead report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for rehabilitation. The duo is expected to link up directly with the team for the World Cup.

In the absence of both the designated captain and vice-captain, the responsibility of leading the team in South Africa has been handed to Vaibhav Suryavanshi, with Aaron George named as his deputy. The three-match One-Day series against South Africa U19 will be played on January 3, 5, and 7, and is seen as an ideal platform ahead of the World Cup.

India’s U19 World Cup campaign will begin on January 15 in Bulawayo, where they will face the United States of America in their opening group match. They will then take on Bangladesh and New Zealand in Group B. The final of the tournament is scheduled to be played on February 6.

Five-time champions India remain the most successful team in the history of the Under-19 World Cup. The World Cup squad includes both wicketkeeping options Abhigyan Kundu and Harvansh Singh, along with a mix of all-rounders and specialist bowlers who have impressed at the junior level.