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Ayush Mhatre to Lead India U19 on Australia Tour After England Triumph
India U19 Squad Announced for Australia Tour in September
Ayush Mhatre will once again take the reins of the India U19 cricket team as they gear up for a high-stakes tour of Australia scheduled in September. This tour comprises three one-day internationals and two multi-day fixtures against the Australian U19 side.
Mhatre’s leadership was instrumental during India’s recent England tour, where the team clinched a 3-2 victory in the Youth ODI series while the two-match Youth Test series ended in a draw. His consistent performance and leadership skills have earned him a continued captaincy role for the upcoming Australia assignment.
Vihaan Malhotra Named New Vice-Captain
While Abhigyan Kundu, who served as vice-captain during the England tour, remains in the squad as one of two wicketkeepers, Vihaan Malhotra has been appointed as the new vice-captain for the Australia series. Malhotra’s all-round abilities and calm demeanor make him a natural fit for the role.
Full India U19 Squad for Australia Tour
The 18-member squad named by the BCCI features a blend of youth experience and promising new inclusions. Here’s a complete list:
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Ayush Mhatre (C)
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Vihaan Malhotra (VC)
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
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Vedant Trivedi
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Rahul Kumar
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Abhigyan Kundu (WK)
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Harvansh Singh (WK)
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R S Ambrish
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Kanishk Chouhan
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Naman Pushpak
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Henil Patel
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D Deepesh
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Kishan Kumar
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Anmoljeet Singh
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Khilan Patel
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Udhav Mohan
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Aman Chauhan
The squad also includes five standby players: Yudhajit Guha, Laxman, BK Kishore, Alankrith Rapole, and Arnav Bugga.
Continuity from England Tour
Several players who featured in the England series have retained their spots in the Australia-bound squad. This includes:
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
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Rahul Kumar
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Harvansh Singh
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R.S. Ambrish
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Kanishk Chouhan
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Henil Patel
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D. Deepesh
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Anmoljeet Singh
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Naman Pushpak
This level of continuity suggests a strong foundation and confidence in the core group of players.
New Faces and Key Returns
Return of Khilan Patel and Other Inclusions
One of the key returns is Khilan Patel, who missed the England tour due to a stress reaction in his right leg. His inclusion boosts the team’s all-round strength.
Additionally, Kishan Kumar, Udhav Mohan, and Aman Chauhan have been rewarded for their domestic performances and are set to make their mark in international youth cricket.
Injury Replacements Turn Permanent Picks
D. Deepesh and Naman Pushpak were initially drafted as injury replacements in the England tour. With consistent performances, they’ve now secured permanent slots for the Australia tour, proving their worth and reliability in high-pressure situations.
Read more: India U19 secure ODI series win in England
Tour Schedule and Venues
The tour kicks off on September 21 with the three-match one-day series, all to be played at Norths, Brisbane. The venue will also host the first multi-day match from September 30 to October 3.
The second multi-day fixture will be held in Mackay from October 7 to 10, offering players valuable experience in Australian conditions, a vital stepping stone for future international exposure.
Why This Tour Matters for Indian Cricket’s Future
This tour is critical not just in terms of player development but also from a strategic standpoint. With the U19 World Cup approaching, such overseas tours help identify dependable performers under unfamiliar conditions. The leadership of Mhatre and the infusion of young blood, including returning and debut players, makes this tour a potential game-changer for India’s future cricket roadmap.
For further details on India U19 and their development pathways, visit ICC’s official page on youth cricket.
