India announces team for U19 World Cup, Ayush Mhatre named captain

On Saturday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed India’s roster for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026, with Ayush Mhatre named captain. Along with the World Cup squad, the BCCI announced the team for the next South African Under-19 tour, which will serve as essential preparation for the global event in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Mhatre will manage a strong Indian team at the U19 World Cup, with Vihaan Malhotra serving as his deputy. Malhotra, who recently gained prominence after being selected by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL auction, is expected to play an important role in the tournament’s buildup. However, because to wrist ailments, Mhatre and Malhotra will miss the South Africa tour and will instead report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for rehabilitation. The duo is likely to join the team directly for the World Cup.

In the absence of both the appointed captain and vice-captain, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been given the duty of guiding the team in South Africa, with Aaron George serving as his deputy. The three-match One-Day series versus South Africa U19 will be contested on January 3, 5, and 7, and is seen as a great preparation for the World Cup.

India’s U19 World Cup campaign will go off on January 15 in Bulawayo, when they face the United States of America in their first group match. They will then face Bangladesh and New Zealand in Group B. The tournament final is slated for February 6.

Five-time champions India remain the most successful team in the history of the Under-19 World Cup.

The World Cup squad includes both wicketkeeping options Abhigyan Kundu and Harvansh Singh, along with a mix of all-rounders and specialist bowlers who have impressed at the junior level.