Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 27: Five-time champions India have announced their squad for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026, with Ayush Mhatre named captain for the marquee tournament to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

India have been drawn in Group B alongside New Zealand, Bangladesh and the USA. Talented batting all-rounder Vihaan Malhotra has been appointed vice-captain and will act as Mhatre’s deputy during the competition.

The Indian squad features several promising youngsters who impressed in recent outings, including wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu and top-order batter Aaron George. The team recently finished runners-up at the U19 Asia Cup, where they were defeated by Pakistan in the final.

Aaron George emerged as India’s top run-scorer in the Asia Cup with 228 runs, while 17-year-old medium pacer Deepesh Devendran led the bowling charts for India with nine wickets. Abhigyan Kundu also grabbed headlines after smashing an unbeaten 209 off just 125 balls against Malaysia, a knock studded with 17 fours and nine sixes, as India registered a massive 315-run win.

However, India will be without captain Mhatre and vice-captain Malhotra for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, as both players continue their recovery from injuries.
The duo will remain at the BCCI Centre of Excellence before linking up with the squad ahead of the World Cup, which begins on January 15.

India have made two changes from the U19 Asia Cup squad, with R.S. Ambrish and Mohamed Enaan replacing Yuvraj Gohil and Naman Pushpak.

India will open their World Cup campaign against the USA on January 15 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, followed by matches against Bangladesh on January 17 and New Zealand on January 24. All group-stage matches will be played at the same venue, starting at 9.30 am local time.