Is Ayush Mhatre Set to Lead India in the U19 World Cup? Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Appointed Captain for SA Tour
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Synopsis
Excitement builds as Ayush Mhatre is appointed captain of India for the Men’s U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Meanwhile, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi takes charge for the SA tour due to injuries. Will India secure another victory in this prestigious tournament?
Key Takeaways
- Ayush Mhatre named captain for U19 World Cup 2026.
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to lead in South Africa.
- Both Mhatre and Malhotra facing wrist injuries.
- India looks to defend its title in the U19 World Cup.
- Matches to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
New Delhi, Dec 27 (NationPress) Ayush Mhatre has been officially announced as the captain of India’s squad for the forthcoming Men’s Under-19 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6.
However, both Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra, who has also been included in the U19 World Cup roster, will miss the pre-tournament 50-over tour in South Africa, occurring from January 3-7, due to wrist injuries.
In Mhatre’s absence, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will captain the team during the South Africa tour, where they will compete in all three matches at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. Additionally, Yuvraj Gohil and Rahul Kumar have been added to the squad selected by the Junior Men’s Selection Committee.
Sources indicate that both Mhatre and Malhotra were in Mumbai on Friday for further evaluations of their wrist injuries, and their current status remains uncertain.
“The two players will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for further treatment of their injuries and are expected to join the team for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup,” stated the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a Saturday announcement.
Fast bowling all-rounder RS Ambrish and leg-spin bowling all-rounder Mohamed Enaan will also rejoin the India U19 team, replacing Gohil and Naman Pushpak. The 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup will include 16 teams divided into four groups, followed by a Super Six stage, semi-finals, and the final in Harare.
India, a five-time champion who secured the title in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022, has been placed in Group A along with New Zealand, the USA, and Bangladesh. India will kick off their campaign against the USA on January 15 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, before facing Bangladesh and New Zealand on January 17 and 24 at the same venue.
India squad for the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026: Ayush Mhatre (C), Vihaan Malhotra (VC), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Aaron George, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, and Udhav Mohan.
India’s squad for SA tour: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (C), Aaron George (VC), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan, Yuvraj Gohil, Rahul Kumar
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the resilience and potential of young talents like Ayush Mhatre. His leadership role in the U19 World Cup showcases India's commitment to nurturing future stars in cricket. The injuries faced by Mhatre and Malhotra are unfortunate, yet the selection of Sooryavanshi reflects the depth and strength of our cricketing framework. We stand with our team as they embark on this new journey.
NationPress
27/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading India in the U19 World Cup?
Ayush Mhatre has been named the captain of the Indian team for the U19 World Cup.
When is the U19 World Cup taking place?
The U19 World Cup will be held from January 15 to February 6, 2026.
Why are Mhatre and Malhotra missing the SA tour?
Both players are recovering from wrist injuries.
Where will India play their matches in South Africa?
India will play all their matches at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.
What is the structure of the U19 World Cup?
The tournament features 16 teams divided into four groups, followed by Super Six, semi-finals, and a final.
