🏏 India Names Ayush Mhatre Squad for U19 World Cup 2026

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Key Takeaways

1📊 Ayush Mhatre captains India's U19 squad with Vihaan Malhotra as deputy in Group B.
2🏆 Five-time champs India face USA, Bangladesh, NZ starting Jan 15.
3💡 Vaibhav Suryavanshi leads pre-WC SA ODIs Jan 3-7 amid injuries.
4🔮 Super Sixes from Jan 25; final Feb 6 at Harare.
5💬 "Mhatre brings title-winning leadership" - BCCI selector.

"The Ayush Mhatre led-side will face South Africa in a three-match ODI series prior to the ICC Men's U19 World Cup scheduled to start on January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia."

India have unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026, captained by explosive opener Ayush Mhatre. The five-time champions, placed in Group B with New Zealand, USA, and Bangladesh, will kick off their campaign against USA on January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia. This announcement comes just days before a crucial three-match ODI series against South Africa starting January 3 in Benoni, setting the tone for their title defense. With young talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi included, India eyes another triumph in the tournament running until February 6.

Ayush Mhatre, fresh from leading India to the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai last December, steps up as captain despite a wrist injury sidelining him from the South Africa tour. Vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra, a batting all-rounder, joins him in recovery at BCCI's Centre of Excellence. Vaibhav Suryavanshi will lead the side in the pre-World Cup ODIs. India's dominance—winning in 2000, 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2018—underscores the pressure, with this squad blending experience from domestic circuits and age-group successes.

Mhatre's Leadership: Building on Asia Cup Glory

Ayush Mhatre's captaincy pedigree shines through his Asia Cup final run, where he aggregated 250+ runs at a strike rate over 140 in youth ODIs. The squad boasts depth: R.S. Ambrish (wicketkeeper-batter with 45+ average in Vijay Hazare), Kishan Kumar Singh (pace spearhead with 25 wickets in U19 Challenger), and Vedant Triv (spinner with economy under 4). Compared to Yashasvi Jaiswal's 2018 squad, this group mirrors explosive top-order intent, vital against Group B's pace-heavy New Zealand and spin-savvy Bangladesh.

Group B Battleground: Path to Super Sixes

Placed in Group B, India faces USA (Jan 15), Bangladesh (Jan 17), and New Zealand (Jan 24) at venues like Queens Sports Club. A strong start ensures Super Six progression, where diagonal matchups against Group D could pit them against South Africa or Afghanistan. Success here propels them toward semis on February 4-6 at Harare Sports Club, echoing their 2018 Harare final win. Financially, a deep run boosts BCCI's youth investments amid rising global competition.

"Ayush Mhatre brings the leadership we need for another title charge." - BCCI selector, post-announcement

Road to Harare Final: Eyes on Glory

With South Africa ODIs underway today (Jan 3), Suryavanshi's performance will fine-tune preparations. Mhatre and Malhotra rejoin post-recovery for the opener. Fans must watch Group B clashes—India vs New Zealand on Jan 24 could define qualification. This tournament unearths stars like past winners Shubman Gill; who will shine? Follow for breakthroughs shaping India's 2028 senior cycle.