As the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 gets underway in Zimbabwe and Namibia, much of the spotlight is on teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. However, India’s challenge for a record sixth U19 world title rests on a far broader base of talent, leadership and versatility.
The team is led by Ayush Mhatre, one of India’s most highly rated young batters. Already a record-breaker in domestic cricket and an IPL player with Chennai Super Kings, Mhatre brings composure and authority at the top. Supporting him is vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra, a dependable left-hander whose calm temperament, match-winning knocks in youth tournaments and IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru underline his growing stature.
India’s batting depth is further strengthened by Aaron George, a consistent run-getter known for building innings under pressure, and Vedant Trivedi, a classy batter who also offers leg-spin, having impressed against Australia and Afghanistan in youth cricket. Behind the stumps, wicketkeeper-batters Abhigyan Kundu and Harvansh Singh add firepower — Kundu made history with a double century in the U19 Asia Cup, while Harvansh has earned praise for his big-hitting and sharp keeping, drawing comparisons with MS Dhoni.
The all-round department gives India crucial balance. R.S. Ambrish provides seam-bowling options and left-handed batting, while Kanishk Chouhan, a proven match-winner against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, contributes with off-spin and lower-order runs. Khilan Patel, a left-arm spinning all-rounder, and Mohamed Enaan, a leg-spinner capable of impactful cameos with the bat, further enhance flexibility in team combinations.
India’s bowling attack is equally well stocked. Deepesh Devendran, one of the fastest bowlers in the squad, has already starred against Australia and in the Asia Cup with his pace and discipline. Left-arm seamer Kishan Kumar has risen through the ranks with heavy wicket-hauls in domestic youth tournaments, while Henil Patel and Udhav Mohan offer reliable pace options capable of exploiting different conditions in southern Africa.
Taken together, this well-rounded squad combines leadership, explosive batting, spin and pace variety, and strong fielding. While Vaibhav Suryavanshi may be the headline act, it is this collective strength that makes India a formidable force — and genuine favourites — as they chase a sixth Under-19 World Cup crown.
