Zimbabwe, Jan 15: The ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 got underway on Thursday as India Under-19 faced USA Under-19 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, marking the start of the prestigious global youth tournament co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The Under-19 World Cup once again brings the spotlight on a new generation of prodigies, with several highly talented youngsters set to announce themselves on the global stage. From fearless batters to match-winning bowlers and emerging leaders, these rising stars have the skill, temperament and hunger to shape the tournament and stake an early claim for future senior honours.
As five-time champions India launched their campaign, several young talents stepped onto the world stage, aiming to make their mark at a tournament that has historically produced future international stars.
For India, the Under-19 World Cup has often been the first stepping stone to senior success, with legends such as Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill once using this very platform to announce themselves.
Led by Ayush Mhatre, the Indian squad enters the tournament with a balanced mix of technique, firepower, and depth. The opener against the USA offers an early opportunity for India’s youngsters to settle into conditions and showcase their abilities.
Here’s a closer look at the key members of India’s Under-19 World Cup squad:
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a cricketing prodigy from Bihar, has taken the sport by storm with record-breaking feats at an astonishingly young age. Born in 2011, he rose to global prominence in late 2024 after becoming the youngest player ever bought at an IPL auction, signed by Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.1 crore at just 13. In April 2025, he became the youngest IPL debutant and soon after the youngest T20 centurion with a blistering 38-ball hundred. Excelling across levels, he also holds records for the fastest Youth Test century by an Indian, the fastest Youth ODI century, and became the fourth youngest Indian first-class debutant.
Captain Ayush Mhatre rose to prominence with a record 181 against Nagaland in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, becoming the youngest to score 150+ in men’s List A cricket. He followed it up with 176 in the Ranji Trophy, and after being signed by CSK as a replacement, impressed with 32 off 15 on debut, highlighting his composure and future star potential.
Vice Captain Vihaan Malhotra is a talented left-handed batter from Patiala, born on January 1, 2007, known for his solid technique and composure. A consistent performer for India U19s, he starred with a match-winning 61* in the U19 Asia Cup, excelled on the England tour, was named U19 vice-captain, and earned an IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2026.
Aaron George is a promising young batter from Hyderabad who rose through the state youth ranks with consistent run-scoring. He starred in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy with multiple centuries and led Hyderabad to a rare title as captain.
Vedant Trivedi is a promising right-handed batter and leg-break bowler from Ahmedabad, born on April 21, 2007. He has impressed for India U19 with key knocks, including 83 in the U19 Tri-Series, a patient 140 in a Youth Test against Australia, and an unbeaten 61 in a Youth ODI, highlighting his maturity and all-round potential.
Abhigyan Kundu is an explosive wicketkeeper-batter from Mumbai, born on April 30, 2008, who has emerged as a key batting talent at the India U19 level.
Deepesh Devendran is a promising right-arm pacer from Tamil Nadu, born on January 4, 2008, who regularly clocks over 130 km/h. He topped the wicket charts on India U19’s Australia tour with 10 wickets in the Youth Tests, starred in the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, and is regarded as one of India’s most exciting young fast-bowling prospects.
With Bangladesh and New Zealand also in Group B, India will need consistency and discipline to secure a smooth passage to the knockout rounds. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on India’s young stars—many of whom could be taking their first steps toward international cricketing stardom.
Source: ICC, India Today
Photo credit: BCCI
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