Post by : Maya Rahman

The BCCI has revealed India's 15-member lineup for the ACC Men's Under-19 Asia Cup, scheduled to kick off on December 12 in Dubai. Young Mumbai batter Ayush Mhatre has been appointed as the captain, alongside Vihaan Malhotra as vice-captain. This tournament will bring together Asia's best youth teams in a one-day format. The team features several talented young players, including aggressive opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi, enhancing the strength of the batting order. This selection underscores India’s commitment to nurturing young talent, with two wicketkeepers, Abhigyan Kundu and Harvansh Singh, also included.

India has been placed in Group A, facing off against Pakistan and two qualifying teams, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and one qualifier. India will kickstart its campaign on December 12 against one of the qualifiers.

Mhatre’s recent form has seen ups and downs. During IPL 2025, he played well for Chennai Super Kings, scoring 240 runs in just seven matches at an impressive strike rate of nearly 189. His performances garnered attention, placing him among India's bright prospects in youth cricket.

However, his form dipped during international tours, netting only 27 runs in four ODIs in England, though he rebounded brilliantly in the Youth Test series, amassing 340 runs to secure the top position among scorers. His adaptability and ability to withstand pressure were evident during this series.

Challenges surfaced again during the Australia tour, where he only managed 10 runs in three ODIs and 38 runs in Youth Tests. His domestic performance was also inconsistent, totaling 156 runs in four first-class matches, including one for India A against South Africa A. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he tallied 18 runs against Railways.

Still, selectors remain confident in Mhatre’s leadership and capabilities. His competitive experience positions him well for this role, and the Asia Cup presents an opportunity for him to regain form and showcase his abilities.

Famed for unveiling future cricket stars, the Under-19 Asia Cup finds India as a historically strong contender. With a well-rounded squad, the team aims to excel once again, featuring robust bowling options, skilled all-rounders, and technically proficient batters that inspire confidence ahead of the tournament.

The squad includes: Ayush Mhatre (capt), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra (vice-capt), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), Yuvraj Gohil, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Naman Pushpak, D. Deepesh, Henil Patel, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan, and Aaron George.

With formidable opponents like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh participating, India’s young talents will face significant challenges in Dubai. This tournament promises not only to showcase their skills but also assist selectors in identifying potential future stars.

As Ayush Mhatre embarks on his leadership journey, the Asia Cup will be pivotal for him to steer India towards success and rebuild his batting momentum. The blend of young talent and solid preparation could position India favorably in this year's championship.

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