The Board of Control for Cricket in India has officially confirmed the Indian Under-19 squad for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026. The announcement was made on December 27, outlining India’s plans for both the World Cup and the preparatory tour of South Africa.
Ayush Mhatre has been entrusted with the captaincy for the global tournament, while Vihaan Malhotra will act as his deputy. The leadership group reflects the selectors’ confidence in a squad that combines recent domestic performances with international exposure.
India U19 Begin World Cup Campaign in Zimbabwe
India will enter the tournament as one of the strongest contenders, backed by a rich history in the competition. The team has been placed in Group B alongside New Zealand, Bangladesh, and the United States.
The Indian side will open its campaign against the USA on January 15 before facing Bangladesh on January 17. Their final group fixture will be against New Zealand on January 24. All of India’s group matches are scheduled to be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
India’s Legacy at the U19 World Cup
India remain the most successful team in the history of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup, having lifted the trophy on five occasions. With victories spread across different generations, the team will be aiming to move one step ahead of Australia by securing a record sixth title.
South Africa Tour Ahead of World Cup
Before the World Cup begins, India U19 will travel to South Africa for a three-match One-Day series. The fixtures are scheduled for January 3, 5, and 7 at Willowmoore Park. This series is expected to provide valuable match practice ahead of the global event.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi will lead the side during the South Africa tour, with Aaron George serving as vice-captain. This temporary leadership arrangement has been made due to injuries to the regular captain and vice-captain.
Injury Update on Senior Players
Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra have been ruled out of the South Africa tour after sustaining wrist injuries. Both players will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for rehabilitation and are expected to rejoin the squad in time for the World Cup.
The selectors believe the rest of the squad offers enough depth and balance to handle the preparatory series while the injured players recover.
India U19 Squad for South Africa Tour
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | Captain |
| Aaron George | Vice-Captain |
| Vedant Trivedi | All-rounder |
| Abhigyan Kundu | Wicketkeeper |
| Harvansh Singh | Wicketkeeper |
| R.S. Ambrish | Batter |
| Kanishk Chouhan | Bowler |
| Khilan A. Patel | All-rounder |
| Mohamed Enaan | Bowler |
| Henil Patel | Bowler |
| D. Deepesh | Bowler |
| Kishan Kumar Singh | Bowler |
| Udhav Mohan | All-rounder |
| Yuvraj Gohil | Batter |
| Rahul Kumar | Bowler |
India U19 Squad for ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Ayush Mhatre | Captain |
| Vihaan Malhotra | Vice-Captain |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | Batter |
| Aaron George | All-rounder |
| Vedant Trivedi | All-rounder |
| Abhigyan Kundu | Wicketkeeper |
| Harvansh Singh | Wicketkeeper |
| R.S. Ambrish | Batter |
| Kanishk Chouhan | Bowler |
| Khilan A. Patel | All-rounder |
| Mohamed Enaan | Bowler |
| Henil Patel | Bowler |
| D. Deepesh | Bowler |
| Kishan Kumar Singh | Bowler |
| Udhav Mohan | All-rounder |
Final Outlook
With a balanced squad and a strong track record in youth tournaments, India U19 will be aiming to put the recent Asia Cup disappointment behind them. The upcoming South Africa tour and the World Cup group stage will offer opportunities to build momentum toward another potential title run.
