Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) India’s squad for the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 has been announced, with the Mumbai-born opening batsman named. Ayush Mhatre As captain for the tournament to be held in Dubai from 12 to 21 December.
India have been placed in a challenging group that includes arch-rivals Pakistan and two qualifier teams, setting the stage for high-intensity youth cricket.
The newly unveiled 15-member troupe is a mix of experienced junior level artistes along with rising stars. Key names include Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra (vice-captain), and Abhigyan Kundu, all of whom bring match experience from domestic and India age-group tours.
Ayush Mhatre: The quiet leader who is trusted to continue India’s youth legacy
18-year-old Ayush Mhatre, considered one of the most technically reliable opening batsmen in youth cricket, is stepping into the leadership role after a string of consistent performances. Coming from Mumbai’s strong cricket structure, Mhatre has played impressive innings in domestic U19 tournaments and has displayed IPL-level flair in age-group development programmes.
The coach credits his calm personality, tactical maturity and ability to carry the innings as the main reasons behind his rise. His appointment reflects India’s long-standing focus on developing strong leaders early – an approach that has previously shaped future seniors like Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Supporting him is vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra, a wicketkeeper-batsman acclaimed for his middle-order stability, sharp glovework and game awareness.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi and others strengthen India’s balanced core
is one of the standout players in the team Vaibhav SuryavanshiA stylish left-handed player who is known for his match-winning innings at both the junior and India-A youth levels. His performances in the Asia Cup Rising Stars competition have earned him widespread praise, and his ability to adapt under pressure makes him a major asset to India’s top order.
The team is an all-round unit with strong supporting roles. Vedant Trivedi adds strength and balance as a dependable all-rounder, while wicketkeeper Harvansh Singh serves as a reliable backup option. The bowling attack was led by Heinil Patel and Khilan A. Patel, both are recognized for their disciplined spells and wicket-taking abilities.
Emerging names like Naman Pushpak, Aaron George and Udhav Mohan further deepen the bench strength. Kishan Kumar Singh is under fitness monitoring, and four standby players – Rahul Kumar, Hemchudesan J, BK Kishore and Aditya Rawat – have been kept on alert for any late changes.
India is ready to face Pakistan on 14th December
India will begin their U19 Asia Cup campaign against the Qualifiers on December 12 at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. However, the big encounter comes two days later when India face Pakistan on December 14, a clash that traditionally attracts massive fan attention at both the senior and junior levels.
With the semi-finals taking place on 19 December and the final on 21 December, the tournament is being seen as an important preparation stage ahead of the 2025 Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Talent scouts and national selectors will be keeping a close eye on the performances as India looks to identify the next generation of stars.
Indian team for Under-19 Asia Cup 2025
Ayush Mhatre (captain), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra (vice-captain), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wicketkeeper), Harvansh Singh (wicketkeeper), Yuvraj Gohil, Kanishk Chauhan, Khilan A. Patel, Naman Pushpak, D. Deepesh, Henil Patel, Kishan Kumar Singh*, Udhav Mohan, Aaron George.
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