Vaibhav Suryavanshi Named India U19 Captain

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been appointed captain of the India Under-19 team for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa Under-19, scheduled from January 3 to 7, 2026, at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. The 14-year-old Bihar batter steps in as leader due to wrist injuries to regular captain Ayush Mhatre and vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra, who will miss the tour but are expected to recover for the ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup. Aaron George has been named vice-captain for the series.

Suryavanshi, who made history as the youngest player to earn an IPL contract when Rajasthan Royals bought him for ₹1.1 crore ahead of IPL 2025, continues his rapid rise in cricket. Known for his aggressive batting, he has already broken several records, including being the youngest to debut in various formats. The South Africa series serves as crucial preparation ahead of the Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6, 2026, where Ayush Mhatre will lead India.

The India U19 squad for the South Africa tour includes: Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Captain), Aaron George (Vice-Captain), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (WK), Harvansh Singh (WK), R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan, Yuvraj Gohil, Rahul Kumar. This opportunity allows Suryavanshi to showcase his leadership skills on an international stage.