India Announce Squad for U19 Asia Cup 2025; Ayush Mhatre Leads, Vaibhav Suryavanshi Returns

The BCCI on Friday unveiled India’s squad for the U19 Men’s Asia Cup 2025, scheduled in Dubai from December 12 to 21. The eight-nation tournament will play a vital role in shaping India’s plans for the U19 World Cup 2026, set to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia early next year.

Ayush Mhatre, the highly rated Mumbai batter and Chennai Super Kings prospect, will continue as captain after leading India through the multi-format tour of Australia earlier this year. His leadership experience and strong domestic form made him the frontrunner for the role.

One of the biggest highlights is the return of 14-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has been named in the squad after impressing in the Rising Stars Asia Cup. He also featured prominently in India’s tour of Australia, earning praise for his maturity and power-hitting at a young age.

The selectors have appointed 18-year-old all-rounder Vihaan Manoj Malhotra as vice-captain.

A crucial preparation step before the U19 World Cup

The Asia Cup will allow India to refine their combinations and test their bench strength under pressure. India are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 3. Group B features Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Qualifier 2.

The selection committee prioritised players with recent international youth exposure. Notably, Rahul Dravid’s son Anvay Dravid, who was part of the U19 tri-series in Bengaluru, did not make the cut for the Asia Cup squad. Players like Ayush and Vaibhav were absent from the tri-series but returned based on their recent strong performances elsewhere.

India U19 Squad for Asia Cup 2025

Ayush Mhatre (C), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra (VC), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (WK), Harvansh Singh (WK), Yuvraj Gohil, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Naman Pushpak, D. Deepesh, Henil Patel, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan, Aaron George.*

Standby: Rahul Kumar, Hemchudeshan J, B.K. Kishore, Aditya Rawat

India’s Fixtures – U19 Asia Cup 2025

• Dec 12: vs Qualifier 1 (Dubai)

• Dec 14: vs Pakistan (Dubai)

• Dec 16: vs Qualifier 3 (Dubai)

• Dec 19: Semifinals

• Dec 21: Final

With strong batting power, experienced leadership and a well-balanced squad, India enter the Asia Cup as one of the favourites to claim the title and carry momentum into the U19 World Cup.