Under-19 Asia Cup: Suryavanshi named in Ayush Mhatre-led India squad
What's the story
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the Indian Under-19 squad for the Men's U19 Asia Cup, which will be played in the 50-over format. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Dubai from December 12 to 21, 2025. Mumbai's Ayush Mhatre will lead the team after a successful year as captain, including India's multi-format tour of Australia in September and October.
Squad return
Vaibhav Suryavanshi makes a comeback
Along with Mhatre, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has also made a comeback in the U19 squad for the Asia Cup. Suryavanshi had previously gone on India's multi-format tour of Australia and recently impressed everyone with his performances in the Rising Stars Asia Cup. The BCCI has also appointed 18-year-old all-rounder Vihaan Manoj Malhotra as the vice-captain of the India U19 squad. The tournament will serve as a platform to prepare for the 2026 U19 World Cup.
Match schedule
India's group stage matches in U19 Asia Cup
India has been drawn alongside Pakistan in Group A of the U19 Asia Cup. The other group, Group B, comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and a qualifier. Notably, both Mhatre and Suryavanshi missed the ongoing U19 50-over tri-series in Bengaluru against a junior team from Afghanistan due to their respective commitments.
Selection decisions
Anvay Dravid misses out on Asia Cup selection
The squad announcement comes amid intense competition for spots, with Rahul Dravid's son, Anvay Dravid, missing out on selection for the Asia Cup. Despite being selected for the tri-series in Bengaluru and having captained Karnataka in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, he was not picked this time. The selectors have opted for players who have recently toured internationally with age-group teams or played domestic tournaments.
Information
Here is the squad
India's squad for Under-19 Asia Cup: Ayush Mhatre (C), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra (vc), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), Yuvraj Gohil, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Naman Pushpak, D. Deepesh, Henil Patel, Kishan Kumar Singh (subject to fitness clearance), Udhav Mohan, Aaron George. Rahul Kumar, Hemchudeshan J, B.K. Kishore, and Aditya Rawat have been named as stand-by players.