In a significant development for India cricket’s youth brigade, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday officially unveiled the India Under-19 squad that will tour England in the summer of 2025. The junior Indian side is scheduled to embark on a comprehensive cricketing journey from June 24 to July 23, 2025. This extensive overseas tour will include multiple formats, providing the young cricketers with a vital opportunity to test their mettle in English conditions.
According to the statement issued by the BCCI, the Junior Cricket Committee finalized the squad after careful deliberation. The itinerary for the England tour includes a preparatory 50-over warm-up match, followed by a five-match Youth One-Day International (ODI) series. The campaign will conclude with two competitive multi-day red-ball matches against the England U-19 team.
Ayush Mhatre to Lead; Abhigyan Kundu Named Vice-Captain
Mumbai’s emerging batting star Ayush Mhatre has been named captain of the Indian U-19 side. Mhatre, who gained national attention during the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after being picked up by the Chennai Super Kings midway through the tournament, is one of the brightest prospects in India’s cricketing future. His leadership will be closely observed throughout the tour.
Joining Mhatre in a key leadership role is fellow Mumbaikar, wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu, who has been appointed the vice-captain. Kundu, known for his consistent performances with the bat and behind the stumps, adds strength and depth to the team’s leadership group.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Headlines a Talented Squad
Among the most exciting inclusions in the squad is Bihar-born Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who represents the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Suryavanshi set the cricketing world alight earlier this year with an extraordinary 35-ball century, marking the fastest IPL hundred ever recorded by an Indian. At 18, he became the youngest player to score a T20 century in international or franchise cricket. His explosive batting style makes him a player to watch during the English summer.
Other key players who cut include Punjab’s dynamic middle-order batter Vihaan Malhotra and Kerala’s gifted leg-spinner Mohammed Enaan. Both players impressed selectors during India’s home series against Australia U-19s held in Chennai and Puducherry in 2024. Their performances were instrumental in India securing comprehensive victories across formats during that series.
Recent Form of the India U-19 Team
The current batch of Indian U-19 players has already shown strong form in international youth competitions. During the Australia youth series, the ODI leg was convincingly won by India under the leadership of Mohamed Amaan, resulting in a 3-0 clean sweep. In the longer format, India emerged victorious in the two-match red-ball series under the captaincy of Madhya Pradesh’s Soham Patwardhan.
Following this, the team participated in the Youth Asia Cup, where they displayed excellent cricket to reach the final. However, they fell short in the title match against Bangladesh, finishing as runners-up in the continental competition.
Complete India U-19 Squad for England Tour 2025
The official 16-member squad named by the BCCI for the England tour is as follows:
- Ayush Mhatre (Captain)
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi
- 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
Additionally, five players have been named as standbys to ensure squad depth and cover any contingencies:
Standby Players: Naman Pushpak, D Deepesh, Vedant Trivedi, Vikalp Tiwari, Alankrith Rapole (Wicketkeeper)
A Platform for Future Stars
This England tour is expected to be an important stepping stone in the development of India’s next generation of cricket stars. It offers these young players invaluable exposure to playing overseas, adapting to foreign conditions, and building character in competitive environments.
Fans and experts alike will be eagerly watching to see which of these young talents can seize the opportunity and take their first major steps toward potentially representing India at the senior level in the years to come.
