ICC U19 World Cup: Vaibhav Suryavanshi becomes captain of the Indian team, these 15 players selected

ICC U19 World Cup: Cricket fans are waiting for the T20 World Cup next year, this tournament will start from February 7, but before that, the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 is going to be held. The Indian team for this World Cup has now been announced. The BCCI announced the 15-member Indian squad for the tournament on Saturday, September 27, which includes 14-year-old star batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Ayush Mhatre has once again been given the captaincy of the team. Team India will start its World Cup campaign with a group match against the USA on January 15.

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Ayush, who is struggling with injury, becomes captain

The Men's Under-19 World Cup 2026 will start in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 and will continue till February 6. A total of 16 teams are participating in this World Cup, which have been divided into 4 different groups. The Indian team has been placed in Group B, where they are joined by the USA, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. The squad has been announced to compete against these teams and win the title again. Before the World Cup, the Indian team will also play an ODI series in South Africa, in which Vaibhav Suryavanshi will lead the team. The BCCI's Junior Selection Committee has selected mostly the same players in the squad for this World Cup who were recently part of the Under-19 Asia Cup. Ayush was given the captaincy and Vihan Malhotra was made the vice-captain. The selectors have retained this leadership, entrusting Ayush and Vihan with the same responsibilities in the World Cup. However, both are struggling with wrist injuries and will be under the supervision of the medical team at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence before the World Cup.

Eyes will be on Vaibhav

India has won this World Cup the most times, 5 times, but last time they faced defeat against Australia in the final. Therefore, the responsibility of bringing the title back to India will rest on this team, and the most expectations will be on the 14-year-old opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has been performing brilliantly. The wicketkeeping responsibility in the World Cup will also remain with Abhigyan Kundu. Apart from these, fast bowler Devendran Deepesh and spinner Kanishk Chauhan, who performed brilliantly in the Asia Cup, are important parts of this squad.

Indian Squad for U19 World Cup

Ayush Mhatre (Captain), Vihan Malhotra (Vice-Captain), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (Wicketkeeper), Harvansh Singh, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chauhan, Khilan A Patel, Mohammad Inaan, Henil Patel, Devendran Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh and Udhav Mohan. Also Read: Vijay Hazare Trophy: Virat Kohli's match venue changed, setback for fans

The BCCI's Junior Selection Committee has selected mostly the same players for this World Cup who were recently part of the Under-19 Asia Cup. Ayush was given the captaincy and Vihan Malhotra was made the vice-captain. The selectors have retained this leadership, entrusting Ayush and Vihan with the same responsibilities in the World Cup. However, both are struggling with wrist injuries and will be under the supervision of the medical team at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence before the World Cup. India has won this World Cup the most times, 5 times, but last time they faced defeat against Australia in the final. This time, the responsibility of bringing the trophy back to India will rest on this team, and the highest expectations will be on 14-year-old opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has been consistently performing brilliantly. Abhigyan Kundu will continue to handle the wicketkeeping duties in the World Cup. Besides them, fast bowler Devendran Deepesh and spinner Kanishk Chauhan, who impressed in the Asia Cup, are also important members of this squad.

Indian Squad for the U19 World Cup

Ayush Mhatre (Captain), Vihan Malhotra (Vice-Captain), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (Wicketkeeper), Harvansh Singh, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chauhan, Khilan A Patel, Mohammad Inan, Henil Patel, Devendran Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, and Udhav Mohan. Team India's Schedule in the U19 World Cup January 15: India vs USA, Bulawayo January 17: India vs Bangladesh, Bulawayo January 24: India vs New Zealand, Bulawayo

Summary

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has made his place in the Indian team at the young age of 14, has high expectations from the cricketing world. This will be his first major tournament, and everyone will be watching his batting and bowling. His youthful energy and enthusiasm could prove to be a valuable asset for Team India.