Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been named captain of the India Under-19 team for the upcoming tour of South Africa, where the side will play a three-match One-Day series in Benoni from January 3 to 7. The series will serve as preparation for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The decision was taken by the Junior Cricket Committee after regular captain Ayush Mhatre suffered a wrist injury. This marks the first time Suryavanshi will lead an Indian team at the professional level, adding another milestone to his rapidly rising career.
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According to a statement released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), both Ayush Mhatre and batter Vihaan Malhotra will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for further treatment and recovery. The board confirmed that the duo is expected to rejoin the squad in time for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup.
India Under-19 will face South Africa Under-19 in three One-Day matches ahead of the World Cup. All matches will be played at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, with fixtures scheduled for January 3, January 5, and January 7. The series is expected to help the team fine-tune combinations and adapt to local conditions before the global tournament begins on January 15.
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U-19 squad
Along with Suryavanshi as captain, Aaron George has been named vice-captain. The squad features a balanced mix of batters, bowlers, all-rounders, and wicketkeepers, giving the team depth and flexibility. Wicketkeeping duties will be handled by Abhigyan Kundu and Harvansh Singh, while the bowling and all-round options include players such as Kanishk Chouhan, Mohamed Enaan, and Henil Patel.
The tour of South Africa is seen as a crucial step in India’s preparation for the Under-19 World Cup, and Suryavanshi’s leadership will be closely watched as the young battalion builds momentum on the international stage.
