This Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ACC’s Under-19 Asia Cup announces India squad to name Mumbai-born opening batsman Ayush Mhatre As captain for the tournament scheduled for December 12-21 in Dubai.
India have been placed in a tough group with arch-rivals Pakistan and two qualifying teams, setting the stage for high-intensity youth cricket.
The newly introduced 15-member cast mixes seasoned junior-level performers with emerging stars. Key names Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vaiaan Malhotra (vice-captain) and Abhigyan Kundu all bring experience from home and India age groups.
Ayush Mhatre: The quiet leader trusted to carry on the legacy of India’s youth
18-year-old Ayush Mhatre stepped into the leadership role after a string of consistent performances in what is regarded as one of the most technically sound openers in youth cricket. A draw from Mumbai’s healthy batting setup, Mhatre has shown impressive performances in domestic U19 tournaments and IPL-level character in age-group development programmes.
Coaches cite his calm personality, tactical maturity and anchor shooting ability as big reasons for his rise in stature. His appointment follows India’s long-standing focus on imaging strong leaders – an approach that has already shaped future seniors like Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Backing him up is vice-captain Vahaan Malhotra, a wicketkeeper-batsman who has impressed with his middle-order stability, sharp glove and game awareness.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vidant Trivedi and others strengthen India’s balanced core
Among the parking players in the squad Vaibhav Suryavanshia stylish left-hander known for his match-winning knocks at both Junior and India level. His performances in the rising star competition of the Asia Cup earned him widespread praise and his ability to adapt under pressure makes him a huge asset in India’s top order.
The cast has a well-rounded unit with strong supporting roles. Vidant Tredioni, reliably, Wicketeeper Harvansh Singh, acts as a reliable back-up option. The bowling attack will be led by Henil Patel and Xilan A. Patel, both known for their disciplined spells and wicket-taking abilities.
Promising names like Naman Pushpak, Aaron George and Udhav Mohan further deepen the bench strength. Kishan Kumar Singh remains under fitness monitoring and four standby players – Rahul Kumar, Hemchudeshan J, BK Kishore and Adilik Rawat – have been put on alert for any late changes.
India set up for Pakistan clash on 14th December
India will kick off their Asia Cup campaign on December 12 at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. However, the marquee fixture comes two days later when India take on Pakistan on December 14, a clash that has traditionally drawn a lot of fan attention at both the senior and junior levels.
With the semi-finals set for December 19 and the final scheduled for December 21, the tournament is seen as a new warm-up platform ahead of the 2025 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Talent scouts and national selectors will be watching their performances closely as India to identify the next generation of Indians.
India squad for U19 Asia Cup 2025
Ayush Mhatre (c), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, VAHAAN MALHOTRA (VC), Vediant Trivedi, Harvansh Singh (WK), Yuvraj Singh, Kushgraj, Xilan A. Patel, Naman Pushpak, Henil Patel, Kishan Kumar Singh *, Udhav Mohan, Aaron George.
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