The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the India U-19 squad for a crucial multi-format tour of England scheduled from June 24 to July 23, 2025. The big headline? 17-year-old Mumbai batting prodigy Ayush Mhatre has been appointed captain of the side, highlighting his rapid rise in Indian cricket.
India U19 Squad: Ayush Mhatre (Captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra, Maulyarajsinh Chavda, Rahul Kumar, Abhigyan Kundu (Vice-Captain & WK), Harvansh Singh (WK), R S Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Yudhajit Guha, Pranav Raghavendra, Mohammed Enaan, Aditya Rana, Anmoljeet Singh
Standby Players: Naman Pushpak, D Deepesh, Vedant Trivedi, Vikalp Tiwari, Alankrith Rapole (WK)
Tour Schedule (June 24 - July 23, 2025)
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| June 24 (Tuesday) | 50-over Warm-Up Match | Loughborough University |
| June 27 (Friday) | 1st Youth ODI | Hove |
| June 30 (Monday) | 2nd Youth ODI | Northampton |
| July 2 (Wednesday) | 3rd Youth ODI | Northampton |
| July 5 (Saturday) | 4th Youth ODI | Worcester |
| July 7 (Monday) | 5th Youth ODI | Worcester |
| July 12–15 (Sat–Tue) | 1st Multi-Day Match | Beckenham |
| July 20–23 (Sun–Wed) | 2nd Multi-Day Match | Chelmsford |
Ayush Mhatre is a 17-year-old right-handed opening batsman from Mumbai, rapidly making waves in domestic and franchise cricket.
🔹 Career Highlights:
Date of Birth: July 16, 2007
First-Class Debut: Scored 176 in Ranji Trophy 2024–25 vs Maharashtra
List A Milestone: Youngest Indian to score 150+ in a List A game (181 vs Nagaland)
IPL 2025: Mid-season replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad in CSK. Scored 206 runs in 6 innings, including a blazing 94 off 48 balls against RCB.
🔹 Playing Style:
Known for his fearless batting, Ayush brings an aggressive mindset and a natural flair for stroke play. He also bowls part-time off-breaks.
Why Is This Tour Significant?
1. Preparation for U-19 World Cup 2026
The upcoming ICC U-19 World Cup is set to be held in early 2026 in Zimbabwe and Namibia. This England tour is a major preparatory step for India to test its young talent in competitive overseas conditions.
2. Exposure to English Conditions
Playing in England offers valuable experience in swing-friendly, overcast environments—something Indian players rarely face at youth level. It helps improve technical discipline and adaptability.
3. Talent Scouting & IPL Attention
With scouts watching closely, this tour can become a launchpad for IPL contracts and future national call-ups. Ayush Mhatre is already a prime example of a player fast-tracked through strong performances.
4. Multi-Format Learning
The combination of white-ball and red-ball games gives players experience in adapting to various match situations, formats, and mental challenges.
Players to Watch
Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Bihar)
Only 14 years old, he’s already a national sensation.
Smashed a 35-ball century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and made headlines with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025.
Expected to open with Mhatre.
Mohammed Enaan (Kerala)
A leg-spinner who shone in the India U-19 tour of Australia.
Brings variation and control—key in England’s long-form matches.
Ayush Mhatre’s Captaincy: A Big Leap
Mhatre’s appointment as captain reflects the BCCI Junior Selection Committee’s trust in his leadership. It is rare for someone to break into senior-level domestic cricket, the IPL, and now lead the national U-19 side—all before turning 18.
This England tour will test not only his batting skill but also his ability to:
Manage bowling resources
Adapt to foreign pitches
Lead under pressure
Conclusion
Ayush Mhatre’s captaincy of the India U-19 team on the England tour marks the beginning of what could be a defining chapter in his and India’s cricketing future. Along with prodigies like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Abhigyan Kundu, this tour presents a golden opportunity for young Indian players to develop, compete, and shine on an international platform.
As the cricketing world gears up for the U-19 World Cup in 2026, all eyes will be on how this promising Indian squad performs in England.
Stay tuned for match updates, player performances, and future team developments!