Indian cricket fans have a new reason to celebrate as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the India U19 squad for the much-anticipated tour of England.
This announcement is not just about a list of names—it’s a showcase of the next generation of cricketing talent, with stories of grit, early stardom, and the promise of a bright future. The tour, scheduled from June 24 to July 23, 2025, will see India’s best young cricketers take on their English counterparts in a series of challenging matches across iconic venues.
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A Tour That Shapes Futures
The India U19 tour of England is more than just a cricket series. For decades, this tour has been a testing ground for young Indian cricketers, offering them a taste of international competition and the unique challenges of English conditions.
The 2025 edition is set to be no different, with a packed schedule that includes a 50-over warm-up match, a five-match Youth One-Day series, and two multi-day games. Matches will be played at renowned venues such as Loughborough University, Hove, Northampton, Worcester, Beckenham, and Chelmsford.
Meet the Captain: Ayush Mhatre
At the helm of this talented squad is 17-year-old Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre. Mhatre’s journey to captaincy is a testament to perseverance and seizing opportunities. In the IPL 2025 season, he was thrust into the limelight for Chennai Super Kings after an injury to regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Mhatre made the most of his chance, scoring 206 runs in six innings, including a blistering 94 off 48 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His calm leadership and aggressive batting have made him a natural choice to lead the U19 side in England.
The Young Prodigy: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Perhaps the most talked-about name in the squad is 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Already a household name among cricket fans, Sooryavanshi made history this year by becoming the youngest player to feature in the IPL. Signed by Rajasthan Royals for a staggering Rs 1.1 crore, he made an immediate impact—hitting his first ball for six and later smashing a 35-ball century.
In just seven IPL outings, he scored 252 runs at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 206.56, including a mature 57 in a crucial win over Chennai Super Kings. His fearless approach and natural flair have made him one of the most exciting prospects in world cricket.
The Full Squad: A Blend of Youth and Promise
The 16-member squad is a blend of established youth stars and emerging talents from across the country. Here’s the full list:
- Ayush Mhatre (Captain)
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Vihaan Malhotra
- Maulyarajsinh Chavda
- Rahul Kumar
- Abhigyan Kundu (Vice-Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Harvansh Singh (Wicketkeeper)
- R S Ambrish
- Kanishk Chouhan
- Khilan Patel
- Henil Patel
- Yudhajit Guha
- Pranav Raghavendra
- Mohammed Enaan
- Aditya Rana
- Anmoljeet Singh
Standby players include Naman Pushpak, D Deepesh, Vedant Trivedi, Vikalp Tiwari, and Alankrith Rapole (WK).
The Schedule: A Month of High-Intensity Cricket
The tour kicks off with a 50-over warm-up match at Loughborough University on June 24. The five-match Youth ODI series begins on June 27 at Hove, followed by games in Northampton and Worcester.
The two multi-day matches, which are crucial for testing temperament and technique, will be played at Beckenham (July 12-15) and Chelmsford (July 20-23). This schedule ensures that the young Indian team will be tested in all formats and conditions, providing invaluable experience for their cricketing careers.
IPL Stardom and the Road to England
Both Mhatre and Sooryavanshi’s IPL journeys are stories of opportunity and resilience. Neither was a first-choice pick at the start of the season, but injuries to senior players opened the door.
Sooryavanshi stepped in for Rajasthan Royals’ Sanju Samson, while Mhatre filled in for CSK’s Ruturaj Gaikwad. Their performances under pressure have not only won matches but also the hearts of fans and selectors alike.
Sooryavanshi’s 35-ball century and Mhatre’s near-century against RCB are already being talked about as defining moments of IPL 2025. Their inclusion in the U19 squad is a reward for their hard work and a signal that Indian cricket’s future is in safe hands.
What Makes This Squad Special?
This U19 squad is not just about individual brilliance. It’s about teamwork, adaptability, and the hunger to learn. The players come from diverse backgrounds and regions, each bringing a unique style and story. The presence of two wicketkeepers, a strong pace attack, and versatile all-rounders ensures that the team is well-balanced and ready for any challenge.
The coaching staff has focused on preparing the team for English conditions—emphasizing swing bowling, patient batting, and sharp fielding. Special training camps and sessions with former cricketers have helped the squad understand what it takes to succeed in England.
Why Fans Should Watch
For fans, this tour is a glimpse into the future of Indian cricket. Many of today’s superstars—like Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill—first made their mark in U19 tours. Watching these young players adapt, compete, and grow is a reminder of the depth and passion that drives Indian cricket.
Final Thoughts: The Next Chapter Begins
As the India U19 squad sets off for England, they carry with them the hopes of a nation and the dreams of millions. With Ayush Mhatre’s leadership, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s youthful exuberance, and a squad full of talent, this tour promises to be a thrilling chapter in Indian cricket’s story.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual follower, keep an eye on these matches—you might just witness the birth of the next cricketing superstar.
FAQ:-
Who is the under-19 captain of India?
Ayush Mhatre, the 17-year-old teenager who had a sparkling first-class debut with Mumbai and with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, will captain the India Under-19 team that will travel to England for a multi-format tour in June-July 2025.
Who is Vaibhav Suryavanshi?
Vaibhav Suryavanshi ended his maiden IPL campaign with 252 runs from seven games with an impressive strike rate of over 200. He scored a hundred and a fifty in IPL 2025. Vaibhav Suryavanshi is one of the hot topics in Indian cricket currently after the 14-year-old’s heroics at the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).
