India U19 World Cup 2026 Squad: The ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 is one of the most-awaited youth cricket tournaments in the world. Scheduled to be held from January 15 to February 6, 2026, across Zimbabwe and Namibia, this edition will feature 16 of the best Under-19 teams battling it out for global glory. Amid this excitement, India’s U19 squad has been officially announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and fans are already buzzing with anticipation about the team’s potential. India enters the tournament as a five-time champion, with titles in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018 and 2022, and the team will look to extend that record with a sixth title.
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗖𝗖 𝗠𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗨𝟭𝟵 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻. 🔒🇮🇳
Special mentions to our Royal Challengers Vihaan and Kanishk, with Vihaan appointed as Vice Captain. 🫡
Best of luck to the entire U19 squad. All of 🇮🇳 is with… pic.twitter.com/sLeFLzVoqb
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) December 27, 2025
Squad Announcement and Leadership:
The India U19 squad for the 2026 ICC U19 World Cup was unveiled by the BCCI on December 27, 2025. The leadership group for the World Cup includes:
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Ayush Mhatre – Captain
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Vihaan Malhotra – Vice-Captain
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
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Aaron George
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Vedant Trivedi
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Abhigyan Kundu (Wicketkeeper)
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Harvansh Singh (Wicketkeeper)
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R.S. Ambrish
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Kanishk Chouhan
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Khilan A. Patel
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Mohamed Enaan
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Henil Patel
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D. Deepesh
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Kishan Kumar Singh
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Udhav Mohan
This 15-member squad blends batting talent, bowling depth, and fielding prowess, representing some of the best young cricketers across India’s domestic youth system.
Team Composition: Balancing Youth and Skill
Batting Unit:
India’s batting lineup includes a mix of power hitters and technically sound batters:
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Ayush Mhatre – A dependable top-order batter and captain, Mhatre’s experience in youth competitions positions him well to lead by example.
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – A dynamic batter known for raw power and attacking instincts, Sooryavanshi has been in explosive form, including scoring a blistering innings of 190 in a Vijay Hazare youth match.
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Aaron George & Vedant Trivedi – Young prospects looking to cement their places with impactful performances on the big stage.
The presence of multiple wicketkeepers, Abhigyan Kundu and Harvansh Singh, adds flexibility to the batting order and provides India with tactical options depending on match situations.
All-Rounders and Depth Players:
All-rounders such as R.S. Ambrish and Kishan Kumar Singh bring balance to the squad. Their dual skill-sets mean India can deepen both batting and bowling lineups without compromising on flexibility.
Bowling Attack:
The Indian pace and spin attack looks promising with:
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Khilan A. Patel
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Mohamed Enaan
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Henil Patel
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D. Deepesh
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Udhav Mohan
These bowlers provide a mix of pace, swing, and spin options that could prove crucial in varying pitch conditions in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Preparation and Build-Up: South Africa Tour
Before the World Cup, the India U19 team undertakes a preparatory three-match ODI series against South Africa Under-19s in Benoni. Interestingly, due to wrist injuries, Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra will miss this tour, allowing young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to lead the side, with Aaron George as his deputy.
This tour serves as a valuable opportunity for the squad to adapt to overseas conditions, refine strategies, and build team chemistry ahead of the World Cup. Players who perform well here will gain confidence and vital match experience.
India’s Group Stage and Fixtures:
India has been drawn in Group B alongside Bangladesh, New Zealand, and the USA. The campaign schedule includes:
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India vs USA – January 15, 2026 (Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo)
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India vs Bangladesh – January 17, 2026 (Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo)
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India vs New Zealand – January 24, 2026 (Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo)
These group matches are crucial. India will look to top the group and enter the Super Six stage with strong momentum.
India’s U19 Legacy and Title Ambitions:
India’s U19 cricket team has long been a breeding ground for future stars. Numerous players who shone in past U19 World Cups have gone on to represent the senior national team – a testament to the strength and importance of this developmental level.
With five U19 World Cup titles, India sits atop the tournament’s historical achievements. This legacy adds both pressure and motivation for the 2026 team as they chase a record-extending sixth championship.
Key Players to Watch:
Here are a few individuals who could have breakout tournaments:
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi:
At just 14, Sooryavanshi’s recent performances have thrust him into the spotlight. His record-breaking domestic innings showcased his power, timing, and temperament – ingredients needed for success on the global stage.
Ayush Mhatre & Vihaan Malhotra:
As captain and vice-captain, both bring tactical understanding and leadership maturity well beyond their years. Their guidance will be vital as India navigates group challenges and knockout pressure.
All-Rounders & Bowlers:
Players like R.S. Ambrish, Kishan Kumar Singh, and Mohamed Enaan add dimension to India’s bowling plans, giving the team options that could be decisive in crunch situations.
A Bright Future Ahead:
The 2026 U19 World Cup represents more than just a trophy hunt — it’s a showcase of the next generation of Indian cricketers. The squad blends youth, talent, leadership, and versatility, making it one of India’s most exciting U19 teams in recent memory.
India’s rich history in the tournament, combined with the raw talent and hunger among this group of players, makes them strong contenders. With proper preparation, strategic planning, and individual brilliance at key moments, India will be aiming not only to compete but to dominate.
As cricket fans across the country and the world tune in to watch the U19 World Cup, all eyes will be on these young Indian cricketers – a group that could very well shape the future of Indian cricket in the years to come.
ऐसे और भी Sports ख़बरों से संबंधित लेखों के लिए हमारे साथ जुड़े रहें! Khabari bandhu पर पढ़ें देश-दुनिया की ताज़ा ख़बरें — बिज़नेस, एजुकेशन, मनोरंजन, धर्म, क्रिकेट, राशिफल और भी बहुत कुछ।
