New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday announced India’s Under-19 squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026, alongside a separate team for the preparatory tour of South Africa. Ayush Mhatre has been named captain of the World Cup squad, while teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been included in both teams.

However, Mhatre will miss the South Africa tour due to a wrist injury. In his absence, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been entrusted with the captaincy for the three-match ODI series against South Africa U19, making him one of the youngest players to lead an Indian U19 side. Aaron George has been named vice-captain for the tour.

Interestingly, vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra will also sit out the South Africa series, leaving the leadership responsibilities entirely to Suryavanshi and George. The move signals the selectors’ growing confidence in the young batter, who has impressed consistently at the junior level.

The ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on January 15 and will be jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. The final of the tournament will be played on February 6. India, a five-time champion in the competition, will be aiming to extend its record with another strong campaign.

Ahead of the global event, the India U19 side will take on South Africa U19 in a three-match ODI series on January 3, 5, and 7. The series is expected to serve as a crucial build-up for the World Cup, allowing young players to gain match exposure in overseas conditions.

With several key names featuring in both squads and leadership duties split due to injuries, the upcoming tour and tournament are likely to offer a glimpse into India’s next generation of cricketing talent.

India U19 Squad for South Africa Tour

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (C), Aaron George (VC), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan, Yuvraj Gohil, Rahul Kumar

India U19 Squad for ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026

Ayush Mhatre (C), Vihaan Malhotra (VC), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan