Who is the captain of India's U19 squad for the 2026 World Cup?

Ayush Mhatre is the captain of India's U19 squad for the 2026 World Cup.

When does India's U19 team start their World Cup campaign in 2026?

India's U19 team begins their World Cup campaign on January 15, 2026, against the USA.

Why will Vaibhav Suryavanshi captain the U19 team against South Africa?

Vaibhav Suryavanshi will captain the U19 team against South Africa due to the absence of regular captain Ayush Mhatre and vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra due to wrist injuries.

Home / Sports / Mhatre Leads India U19s Amidst Asia Cup Setbacks

Mhatre Leads India U19s Amidst Asia Cup Setbacks

27 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Ayush Mhatre to captain India's U19 World Cup squad.
Team India prepares with a series in South Africa.
India aims to regain dominance after recent final losses.

Mhatre Leads India U19s Amidst Asia Cup Setbacks

India's U19 squad for the 2026 World Cup has been announced, with Ayush Mhatre set to lead the team and Vihaan Malhotra serving as vice-captain. The squad includes talented players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who will join directly from a ceremony in Delhi. The team will embark on a tour of South Africa prior to the World Cup.

This tour features a three-match ODI series against South Africa, commencing January 3. Following this, India's U19 World Cup campaign kicks off on January 15 against the USA. The team seeks to overcome the disappointment of recent final losses, including a gut-wrenching defeat in the Asia Cup and a previous loss to Australia in the World Cup.

Notably, Mhatre and Malhotra will miss the South Africa series due to wrist injuries, with 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi stepping in as captain for the tour. Both injured players will undergo further management at the BCCI Centre of Excellence before rejoining the squad for the World Cup.