The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the Indian squad for the U19 Asia Cup 2025, which will take place in Dubai from 12 to 21 December. After days of anticipation, the Junior Selection Committee revealed a strong 16-member squad led by Mumbai young talent Ayush Mhatre, while Punjab’s promising cricketer Vihaan Malhotra has been appointed the vice-captain.
The biggest attraction of the squad is 14-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has been included as an opener. His selection has generated huge excitement among fans and experts.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Makes Headlines Again
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who recently grabbed attention with a record-breaking 32-ball century for India A in the Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha, has now earned a spot in the U19 Asia Cup squad. His explosive batting style and exceptional maturity at such a young age make him one of the most exciting names in Indian youth cricket.
However, despite his rising popularity, Vaibhav has not been given the captaincy due to his age. At just 14, the selectors felt he should focus on his batting while a more experienced player leads the team. Ayush Mhatre, who is 18+ and eligible under U19 age criteria, was seen as the ideal choice to take charge.
India and Pakistan in the Same Group
As per the tournament announcement, India and Pakistan have been placed in the same group, increasing the excitement among fans. The groups are structured as follows:
Group A
- India
- Pakistan
- Qualifier 1
- Qualifier 3
Group B
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- Afghanistan
- Qualifier 2
This means the India vs Pakistan clash is guaranteed in the group stage, with a strong chance of another meeting in the knockout rounds.
Key Matches and Full Schedule for India
India will play three matches in the group stage:
- 12 December: India vs Qualifier 1
- 14 December: India vs Pakistan
- 16 December: India vs Qualifier 3
The semifinals will be held on 19 December, followed by the final on 21 December. The India vs Pakistan match on 14 December is expected to be the biggest attraction of the group stage.
India’s Full Squad for U19 Asia Cup 2025
Confirmed Squad:
Ayush Mhatre (Captain), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra (Vice-captain), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (WK), Harvansh Singh (WK), Yuvraj Gohil, Kanishk Chauhan, Khilan A. Patel, Naman Pushpak, D. Deepesh, Henil Patel, Kishan Kumar Singh, Uddhav Mohan, Aaron George.
Standby Players:
Rahul Kumar, Hemchudeshan J, BK Kishore, Aditya Rawat.
The U19 Asia Cup is always a major stepping stone in the careers of young cricketers. With India fielding a strong and balanced squad, expectations are high. All eyes will be on the young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who will play his first major international youth tournament in Dubai. Ayush Mhatre leadership, Vihaan Malhotra consistency, and a solid group of all-rounders give India a strong chance of lifting the trophy once again.
