The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the Indian squad that will compete in the upcoming ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2025. The 15-member team will be led by middle-order batter Ayush Mhatre, with the experienced Vaibhav Suryavanshi securing a key spot in the lineup.
Meet the Squad: Leadership and Key Players
The selection committee, headed by former Indian cricketer Ajit Agarkar, has placed its faith in Ayush Mhatre to captain the side. Mhatre, known for his composure and tactical acumen, will be supported by vice-captain Arshin Kulkarni, an all-rounder from Maharashtra. A significant inclusion is that of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who brings prior World Cup experience from the 2024 edition held in South Africa. His presence is expected to add valuable maturity to the young team.
The squad features a blend of promising batters, agile wicketkeepers, and a potent bowling attack. The full list of players is as follows:
- Ayush Mhatre (Captain)
- Arshin Kulkarni (Vice-Captain)
- Adarsh Singh
- Ricky Bhui
- Priyanshu Moliya
- Uday Saharan
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi
- Aravelly Avanish Rao (Wicketkeeper)
- Hardik Tamore (Wicketkeeper)
- Musheer Khan
- Naman Tiwari
- Raj Limbani
- Saumy Pandey
- Dhanush Gowda
- Mohit Ahlawat
The Road to the World Cup: Preparations and Schedule
The team's preparation will be rigorous, beginning with a training camp. This will be followed by a crucial tri-series involving England and South Africa, scheduled to take place from December 31, 2024, to January 10, 2025. This series will serve as the final testing ground before the global tournament commences.
The ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2025 is set to be hosted in Sri Lanka. The marquee event will kick off on January 11, 2025, and will conclude with the grand final on February 2, 2025. India, a record five-time champion, will enter the competition as one of the strongest contenders, aiming to reclaim the title they last won in 2022.
Legacy and Expectations
India's history in the U19 World Cup is illustrious, having produced numerous cricketing stars who later shone on the international stage. The selection of this squad continues that tradition of identifying and nurturing young talent. The inclusion of players like Suryavanshi, who has already faced World Cup pressure, alongside fresh faces, creates a balanced unit capable of handling high-stakes matches.
The BCCI's announcement sets the stage for the next chapter in India's rich junior cricket history. All eyes will now be on Ayush Mhatre and his boys as they embark on their mission to bring the trophy home from Sri Lanka. The tri-series will be the first indicator of the team's readiness and combination ahead of the main event.
