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India, the favourites, are set to showcase their wealth of talent as they commence their quest for a record-extending sixth Under-19 World Cup title. The ICC showpiece begins in Bulawayo on Thursday, with
India expected to have an easy outing against the USA.
Having won five of the 16 editions of the tournament since its inception in 1988, India is the most dominant team in the competition’s history. The inaugural event saw Australia emerging as the winners.
This tournament has been a platform for cricket stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson, Joe Root, and Steve Smith to gain early recognition. Shubman Gill, India’s current Test and ODI skipper, first made a mark in the 2018 edition, leading the team to victory under Prithvi Shaw. However, Shaw’s international career has seen a decline recently.
The event has also been a stepping stone for legends such as Brian Lara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Graeme Smith, Michael Clarke, Hashim Amla, and Alastair Cook.
After missing out on the title in 2024, when they lost to Australia in the final, India, who have previously won in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022, aim to secure their sixth title this time.
The Indian squad appears balanced and formidable, having won 13 of their last 16 matches, including series victories in England, Australia, and South Africa.
Leading the Indian challenge will be the talented Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, captain Ayush Mhatre, vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra, and top-order batsman Aaron George, the top-scorer in the last U-19 Asia Cup with 228 runs.
While Mhatre’s recent form is a concern, the team also includes Abhigyan Kundu, who has performed exceptionally well. At just 14, Sooryavanshi is already a sensation, having made headlines with a 35-ball century in the 2025 Indian Premier League season.
Sooryavanshi is poised for stardom, but there are other promising players in the Indian setup who could carry forward the legacy of Kohli, Rohit, and Gill.
Mhatre and Malhotra have returned from injuries, missing the ODI series against South Africa, and are expected to strengthen the batting lineup.
In pace bowling, Deepesh Devendran could be the X-factor with his unique action. RS Ambrish brings good pace and batting skills, while Kishan Singh and Henil Patel are also part of the pace attack.
India will not dwell on their 20-run defeat to England in a rain-affected warm-up match. Led by the big-hitting Utkarsh Srivastava, the USA side is not expected to pose a significant threat to India.
India is in Group B, alongside New Zealand, USA, and Bangladesh. After facing the USA, they will play Bangladesh on January 17 and New Zealand on January 24 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
The 16-team tournament is jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, featuring surprise entries like Tanzania and Japan. This is Tanzania’s first appearance in a global tournament, while Japan is playing in their second U-19 World Cup.
IND vs NZ Full Squads
India: Ayush Mhatre (c), R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, D. Deepesh, Mohamed Enaan, Aaron George, Abhigyan Kundu, Kishan Kumar Singh, Vihaan Malhotra, Udhav Mohan, Henil Patel, Khilan A. Patel, Harvansh Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi.
USA: Utkarsh Srivastava (c), Adnit Jhamb, Shiv Shani, Nitish Sudini, Advaith Krishna, Sahir Bhatia, Arjun Mahesh, Amrinder Gill, Sabrish Prasad, Adit Kappa, Sahil Garg, Amogh Reddy Arepally, Ritvik Appidi, Rayaan Taj, Rishabh Shimpi.
