The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially revealed the 15-member squad that will represent the country in the upcoming ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup, setting the stage for an exciting youth cricket tournament in Dubai. The selection brings fresh talent into the spotlight with Mumbai's Ayush Mhatre appointed as captain and Vihaan Malhotra named as his vice-captain.
Leadership and Squad Composition
Ayush Mhatre, who has previously showcased his skills during India A's unofficial Test against South Africa A, will spearhead the young Indian team's campaign. The squad demonstrates a strategic blend of emerging talent and domestic experience, featuring players who have already made their mark in various competitive formats.
One of the most notable inclusions is 14-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from Bihar, who continues to break age barriers by currently participating in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. His selection underscores the committee's willingness to bet on exceptional talent regardless of age.
The complete squad includes: Ayush Mhatre (Captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra (Vice-Captain), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (WK), Harvansh Singh (WK), Yuvraj Gohil, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Naman Pushpak, D Deepesh, Henil Patel, Udhav Mohan, Aaron George, and Kishan Kumar Singh (subject to fitness clearance).
Tournament Structure and India's Group
The ACC U19 Asia Cup is scheduled to commence in Dubai on December 12, 2025, with India placed in Group A alongside traditional rivals Pakistan. The group will be completed by two qualifier teams emerging from a 14-nation preliminary competition.
Group A comprises India, Pakistan, Qualifier 1, and Qualifier 3, while Group B features Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Qualifier 2. The qualifying tournament includes teams from Bahrain, Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, and the UAE competing for three available spots in the main draw.
The selection committee has also named four standby players - Rahul Kumar, Hemchudeshan J, BK Kishore, and Aditya Rawat - to provide additional cover and depth throughout the tournament.
Strategic Implications and Future Prospects
The squad composition reveals a clear strategic approach from the Junior Cricket Committee, balancing wicketkeeping options with Abhigyan Kundu and Harvansh Singh, while ensuring adequate coverage in both seam and spin departments suitable for Dubai's pitch conditions.
This tournament serves as a crucial testing ground for India's youth cricket pipeline, offering valuable international exposure ahead of next year's global U19 events. The inclusion of multiple players with domestic tournament experience suggests a focus on readying the team for high-pressure situations.
The highly anticipated group-stage encounter against Pakistan promises to be a tournament highlight, renewing one of cricket's most intense rivalries at the youth level. With India entering as favorites and boasting one of the world's deepest talent pools, the team aims to reclaim continental dominance while fine-tuning combinations for future challenges.
Indian cricket enthusiasts can follow the team's progress through the tournament, with the Pakistan clash expected to draw significant attention from fans and selectors alike as they assess the next generation of cricket stars.
