U-19 Asia Cup: 14-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi Returns to Team India, Ayush to Lead; India–Pakistan Clash on December 14
New Delhi/Dubai (The Uttam Hindu): India’s young cricket sensation and explosive opener, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, is once again ready to shine in the blue jersey. On Friday (28 November), the BCCI announced India’s squad for the Under-19 Asia Cup 2025, to be held in December. Vaibhav has been included in the team, while leadership has been handed to senior player Ayush Mhatre.
Tournament in Dubai – Key Preparation for the U-19 World Cup
The tournament will be played in Dubai from 12 to 21 December in the one-day format. It is considered crucial as preparation for next year’s Under-19 World Cup scheduled for January–February. Selectors have picked a 15-member squad, with four players named as standbys.
Spotlight on Vaibhav; Ayush to Captain
The biggest attraction in the squad is 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Bihar. Recently on the England tour, he smashed a 52-ball century for the India U-19 team—becoming the youngest player to score a hundred in Youth ODIs. However, captaincy has been given to 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre, who also led the team in England. Vihaan Malhotra has been appointed vice-captain.
Selectors Back Trusted Players
Most of the players who were part of the England tour have been retained. This includes wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu, spinner Kanishk Chauhan, and bowler Henil Patel.
India vs Pakistan on 14 December
Eight teams will compete in the Asia Cup. India is placed in Group A, where its biggest clash will be against traditional rival Pakistan.
Team India Schedule
12 December: India vs Qualifier-1
14 December: India vs Pakistan
16 December: India vs Qualifier-3
19 December: Semifinals
21 December: Final
Complete India Squad
Captain: Ayush Mhatre
Vice-Captain: Vihaan Malhotra
Players: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (WK), Harvansh Singh, Yuvraj Gohil, Kanishk Chauhan, Khilan A Patel, Naman Pushpak, D Deepesh, Henil Patel, Kishan Kumar Singh (fitness-dependent), Uddhav Mohan, Aaron George
Standby Players: Rahul Kumar, Hemchudeshan J, BK Kishor, Aditya Rawat