Ayush Mhatre To Lead India U-19 On Australia Tour

Ayush Mhatre to lead India U-19 on Australia tour (Image Source: IANS)

Wicketkeepers Abhigyan Kundu: Ayush Mhatre will captain the Indian Under-19 team on a multi-format tour of Australia starting September 21, as the young side looks to build on its recent success in England. India will play three one-day matches and two four-day games against the Australian U-19 team, in what is expected to be a tough but valuable experience for the next generation of cricketers.

Mhatre, a stylish top-order batter, was one of the standout performers in England, where he finished as the leading run-scorer in the Youth Tests with 340 runs from four innings, including two centuries and a fifty.

Vihaan Malhotra, who impressed in both formats in England, has been named vice-captain. He scored 243 runs in the Youth ODIs and followed it up with 277 in the Tests, showcasing solid temperament and consistency.

The squad also features 14-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who turned heads during the England tour. He smashed 355 runs in the five-match ODI series, including the fastest recorded century in Youth ODI history — a blistering ton that underlined his rare talent.

The selectors have opted for a balanced squad, mixing aggressive batting options with a versatile bowling unit. Wicketkeepers Abhigyan Kundu and Harvansh Singh offer depth in the middle-order, while bowlers like Kishan Kumar, Anmoljeet Singh, and D. Deepesh are expected to benefit from the pace-friendly Australian conditions.

All-rounders like R.S. Ambrish and Udhav Mohan provide flexibility, and left-arm spinner Kanishk Chouhan adds variety to the attack. Standby players Yudhajit Guha, Laxman, B.K. Kishore, Alankrith Rapole, and Arnav Bugga have also been named.

India U-19 Squad for Australia Tour:

All-rounders like R.S. Ambrish and Udhav Mohan provide flexibility, and left-arm spinner Kanishk Chouhan adds variety to the attack. Standby players Yudhajit Guha, Laxman, B.K. Kishore, Alankrith Rapole, and Arnav Bugga have also been named.

Standby: Yudhajit Guha, Laxman, B.K. Kishore, Alankrith Rapole, Arnav Bugga.

Article Source: IANS