Welcome to an exciting chapter in Indian cricket as the India U-19 team gears up for their much-anticipated tour of England. Led by the dynamic 17-year-old Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre, this talented squad is ready to showcase their skills on foreign soil. Among the names generating the most buzz is the 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose explosive batting in the IPL has already made him a household name.
The tour promises a comprehensive test of skill and temperament, featuring a 50-over warm-up match, a thrilling five-match Youth One-Day series, and two challenging multi-day matches against the England U-19 team. This mix of formats offers the young Indian players a golden opportunity to hone their abilities ahead of future international challenges, including preparations for the U-19 World Cup.
At the heart of the team is captain Ayush Mhatre, who earned his leadership role following an impressive domestic season. Mhatre, known for his aggressive stroke play and calm demeanor, is determined to lead by example. His recent performances in the IPL, where he notched up 206 runs in six innings for Chennai Super Kings (CSK)—including a breathtaking 48-ball 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)—underline his potential to steer the team to success.
However, all eyes are on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the youngest-ever IPL player at just 14 years old. Signed by Rajasthan Royals for a staggering Rs 1.1 crore at the 2022 auction, Sooryavanshi has taken the cricketing world by storm. In just seven IPL outings, he has amassed 252 runs at a strike rate of 206.56, with highlights including a 35-ball century and a mature 33-ball 57 against CSK in a match-winning effort. His fearless approach, exemplified by hitting his first IPL ball for a six, marks him as a future superstar of Indian cricket.
The 16-member squad, selected by the Junior Cricket Committee of the BCCI, blends experience with raw talent. Alongside Mhatre and Sooryavanshi, it includes vice-captain and wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu, as well as other promising players like Vihaan Malhotra, Maulyarajsinh Chavda, and Rahul Kumar. A strong standby list, featuring names like Naman Pushpak and Alankrith Rapole, ensures depth in case of injuries or unforeseen challenges.
The tour itinerary kicks off with a 50-over warm-up match on June 24 at Loughborough University, setting the tone for the ODIs that follow from June 27 to July 7 across venues like Hove, Northampton, and Worcester. The multi-day matches, scheduled for July 12-15 at Beckenham and July 20-23 at Chelmsford, will test the team’s endurance and adaptability in longer formats.
As the young guns of Indian cricket embark on this journey, the nation watches with bated breath. Will Ayush Mhatre’s leadership and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s prodigious talent inspire a dominant performance against England U-19? Can this tour lay the foundation for India’s next generation of cricketing heroes? Stay tuned for updates as we bring you the latest from this exciting clash of future stars!