India have retained several key players, including skipper Ayush Mhatre, vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra and charismatic opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi — fresh from a successful tour of England — for the upcoming away Under-19 series against Australia later this year.
India will play three one-dayers and two four-day games against the Australian U-19 side, beginning with the first limited-overs match on September 21. The tour will end on October 10.
India’s cricketing future received a boost this week as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially announced the men’s U19 squad for the upcoming series against Australia. The series, scheduled to be held in September 2025, will feature a mix of ODIs and multi-day games, offering India’s young guns a golden opportunity to shine on an international platform.
This much-anticipated announcement comes as part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its youth cricket setup and prepare future stars for senior-level challenges, including the upcoming ICC U19 World Cup.
“The Junior Selection Committee has picked India U19’s squad for the upcoming tour of Australia in September. The India U19 side will play three one-day games and two multi-day matches against Australia’s U19 side,” said BCCI secretary Devajot Saikia in a statement on Wednesday.Squad Overview: A Blend of Talent and Promise
The 15-member squad includes a well-rounded mix of batters, bowlers, and all-rounders. The selection committee has emphasized form, fitness, and performance in domestic tournaments, such as the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, as key criteria in finalizing the squad.
Some standout names include:
Aryan Desai (Captain): A dependable top-order batsman who has led from the front in recent domestic games, known for his calm presence and consistent run-scoring ability.
Rahil Verma (Vice-Captain & Wicketkeeper): A naturally aggressive batter with sharp wicketkeeping skills, bringing energy and leadership to the side.
Kartik Sharma: A left-arm spinner with control and flight, capable of turning matches in the middle overs.
Vivaan Rajput: A right-arm pacer who impressed with his pace and bounce, especially on green tracks.
🇮🇳 Tour Format and Schedule
The India U19 team will face their Australian counterparts in a series comprising:
5 One-Day Matches
2 Four-Day Matches
These matches will be held across top cricketing venues in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, giving players valuable exposure to diverse pitch conditions and playing styles.
The India U-19 side recently returned from the tour of England, beating the hosts 3-2 in the Youth ODIs, while the two Youth Tests ended in draws.
India’s top order played a pivotal role in the visitors clinching the one-day series, with centuries from Suryavanshi and Vihaan helping them win the decisive fourth match in Worcester by posting a mammoth 363 after batting first.
The junior selection committee has also named five standby players.
Schedule: (one-day series) September 21, 24 and 26. Four-day games: September 30-October 3 and October 7-10.
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India U19 squad: Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihaan Malhotra (vc), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Rahul Kumar, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), R S Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Naman Pushpak, Henil Patel, D Deepesh, Kishan Kumar, Anmoljeet Singh, Khilan Patel, Udhav Mohan, Aman Chauhan.
Standby players: Yudhajit Guha, Laxman, B.K. Kishore, Alankrith Rapole, and Arnav Bugga.
Why This Series Matters
The India-Australia U19 series is more than just preparation for the World Cup—it’s a testing ground for emerging talent. Young players will experience foreign conditions, face high-pressure situations, and learn to adapt strategically—skills vital for succeeding at the senior international level.
Australia, known for its competitive cricket culture, will pose a strong challenge. For India, this is the perfect opportunity to assess player temperament, adaptability, and readiness.
🧠 Expert Reactions and Future Outlook
Cricket analysts and former players have praised the squad’s balance and potential. Many believe this group could replicate the success of past U19 teams that produced stars like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant.
“There’s a good mix of aggression and discipline in this squad. These players have been groomed well and are ready to take the next step,” said a former U19 coach.
The series will also serve as a launchpad for IPL scouts and selectors, as several franchise teams closely follow U19 performances before the auction.
📣 Final Thoughts
India’s U19 squad announcement has set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling contest between two cricketing giants at the youth level. With immense talent and guidance, these young cricketers carry the hopes of millions.
As the cricketing world watches closely, this series could mark the beginning of some brilliant international careers. Keep an eye on the scoreboard—India’s next cricket superstar might just be in this squad.