The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the squads for the upcoming U19 Triangular Series, set to be played in Bengaluru from November 17 to 30. The tournament will feature two Indian sides — India U19 A and India U19 B — alongside the Afghanistan U19 team, forming a key preparatory event for future international competitions.
The BCCI’s decision to field two teams underscores its intent to broaden the player base and provide match exposure to a larger pool of emerging talent. The India U19 A side will be led by Vihaan Malhotra, while the vice-captaincy and wicket-keeping responsibilities will be handled by Abhigyan Kundu. The squad includes a mix of all-rounders and specialist players such as Wafi Kachchhi, Vansh Acharya, Vineeth V.K., Lakshya Raichandani, A. Rapole, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A Patel, Anmoljeet Singh, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, Ashutosh Mahida, Aditya Rawat, and Mohammed Malik.
For the India U19 B squad, Aaron George has been named captain, with Vedant Trivedi as vice-captain. The side comprises Yuvraj Gohil, Maulyarajsinh Chavda, Rahul Kumar, Harvansh Singh (wk), Anvay Dravid (wk), R.S. Ambrish, B.K. Kishore, Naman Pushpak, Hemchudeshan J, Udhav Mohan, Ishan Sood, D Deepesh, and Rohit Kumar Das. The selection committee emphasized balance and depth, ensuring both squads possess strong batting and bowling combinations.
The tournament’s schedule spans two weeks, with round-robin matches followed by a final on November 30. The opening fixture between India A and India B on November 17 will be closely watched, followed by contests featuring Afghanistan U19 against both Indian teams. For Afghanistan’s young cricketers, the series offers valuable exposure to Indian conditions and the opportunity to measure themselves against one of the world’s most competitive junior setups.
A few key young prospects — notably Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre — were unavailable for selection. Suryavanshi’s absence is due to his involvement in the India A squad for the upcoming ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup, while Mhatre remains committed to senior domestic duties. Their omission highlights how the U19 setup is now integrated with broader national structures, giving players a defined pathway from youth to senior cricket.
This tri-series represents more than just a development tournament; it is a testing ground for the next generation of Indian cricketers. The players will be evaluated not only on performance but also on temperament, adaptability, and leadership potential. With the next U19 World Cup cycle already in planning, strong performances here could fast-track players into higher opportunities, including international exposure and IPL scouting consideration.
For the BCCI, hosting the series in Bengaluru aligns with its focus on high-performance environments, as the venue provides excellent facilities and consistent playing conditions. With India A and India B squads both filled with promising all-rounders and explosive young batters, the competition promises to be intense. As the series unfolds, it will serve as both a showcase of India’s cricketing depth and a critical stepping stone for players aiming to become the country’s next generation of stars.
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