Is Ayush Mhatre Ready to Lead India in the U19 Men's Asia Cup?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ayush Mhatre appointed as captain of India's U19 squad.
- India is aiming to reclaim their title in the U19 Asia Cup.
- Squad includes rising stars like Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
- Matches begin on December 12 in Dubai.
- Top two teams from each group move to the semifinals.
Mumbai, Nov 28 (NationPress) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially announced on Friday the squad representing India in the upcoming ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Dubai starting December 12.
India finds itself in Group A, alongside Pakistan and two additional teams that will qualify, while Group B consists of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Qualifier 2.
Rising star Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who recently showcased his exceptional hitting skills in the Asia Cup Rising Stars, will continue to lead India's batting lineup. Vihaan Malhotra has been appointed as the vice-captain for this tournament.
The Indian squad is an exciting blend of promising young talents eager to make their mark on the international cricket scene. Additionally, four standby players—Rahul Kumar, Hemchudeshan J, B.K. Kishore, and Aditya Rawat—provide depth and dependable backup options.
Entering the tournament as eight-time champions, India holds the record for the most titles in the competition. Last year, they were unable to secure the title, losing to the current champions, Bangladesh, in the final.
The eight-team tournament kicks off on December 12, with India facing Qualifier 1 at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. On the same day, Pakistan will compete against Qualifier 3 at The Seven Stadium.
India will compete against Pakistan on December 14, followed by a match against Qualifier 3 on December 16. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, set for December 19.
The final match is scheduled for December 21.
India's U19 squad for the Asia Cup includes: Ayush Mhatre (C), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra (vc), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), Yuvraj Gohil, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Naman Pushpak, D. Deepesh, Henil Patel, Kishan Kumar Singh (subject to fitness clearance), Udhav Mohan, and Aaron George.
Standby players: Rahul Kumar, Hemchudeshan J, B.K. Kishore, Aditya Rawat.