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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled India’s Under-19 squads for two major upcoming assignments – U19 tour of South Africa and U19 World Cup 2026. The 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been named captain for the three-match ODI series in South Africa starting January 3, while regular skipper Ayush Mhatre is expected to retain the captaincy for the highly anticipated U19 World Cup, that begins on January 15. Notably, the multi-team event will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi set to lead India U19 in South Africa tour
In a move that highlights his meteoric rise, Suryavanshi will lead the Indian side during their brief preparatory tour of South Africa. At just 14 years of age, Suryavanshi becomes the youngest player to ever captain an Indian representative side at this level. The Bihar-born batter, who was recently honoured with Bal Puruskar Award, has been in blistering form. He recently became the youngest centurion in List A cricket history and ended 2025 as India’s leading run-scorer in Youth ODIs. Joining him in the leadership group for the South Africa tour is Aaron George, who will serve as vice-captain.
The South Africa tour is being viewed as a crucial preparatory phase, offering young players exposure to overseas conditions and competitive cricket ahead of the global tournament later in the month.
Also READ: England announces squad for U19 World Cup 2026, Thomas Rew to lead
Ayush Mhatre named India captain for U19 World Cup 2026
The regular leadership duo of Mhatre (captain) and Vihaan Malhotra (vice-captain) is expected to return at U19 World Cup 2026. Both players sustained wrist injuries, which forced them to skip the South Africa tour. The BCCI medical team has opted for a cautious approach, directing the pair to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.
The U19 tournament will feature 16 teams divided into four groups, followed by the Super Six stage, semi-finals and the final in Harare. Five-time champions India have been drawn in Group B alongside New Zealand, Bangladesh and the USA. The Boys in Blue will begin their campaign against the USA on January 15 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
India’s squad for South Africa 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
India’s squad for 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, Udhav Mohan.
Also READ: Australia name strong squad for U19 World Cup 2026, Oliver Peake to lead
