India U-19 Team Announced for England Tour; Ayush Matre Named Captain
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the India Under-19 squad for the upcoming tour of England. The tour is set to take place from June 24 to July 23, featuring one warm-up game, five One Day matches, and two four-day (multi-day) matches against the England U-19 team.
In a notable development, Ayush Matre, who played in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings, has been named captain of the squad. His IPL performance was impressive enough to earn him leadership responsibilities at the international youth level.
Adding to the excitement is the selection of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a rising star who caught attention with his explosive performance in the IPL. His inclusion is seen as a significant endorsement of his talent and potential at such a young age.
Full Squad:
- Ayush Matre (Captain)
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi
- Vihaan Malhotra
- Maulyarajsingh Chavda
- Rahul Kumar
- Abhigyan Gundu (Vice-captain)
- Harvansh Singh
- R.S. Ambrish
- Kanishk Chauhan
- Kilan Patel
- Henil Patel
- Yudhajit Guha
- Pranav Raghavendra
- Mohammad Enan
- Aditya Rana
- Anmoljeet Singh
Match Schedule:
- Warm-up Match – June 24
- 1st One Day Match – June 27
- 2nd One Day Match – June 30
- 3rd One Day Match – July 2
- 4th One Day Match – July 5
- 5th One Day Match – July 7
- 1st Four-Day Match – July 12 to 15
- 2nd Four-Day Match – July 20 to 23
This England tour will provide young Indian cricketers with invaluable international experience, especially in the challenging conditions of English pitches known for their swing and seam movement. Such exposure is essential for grooming players for the senior national team.
The series is not just a competitive outing but also a development opportunity for players to adapt to overseas conditions, understand team dynamics, and gain confidence on the international stage.
Ayush Matre, being a seasoned performer in domestic cricket and having been mentored under the IPL framework, is expected to lead from the front and instill discipline and tactical awareness among the squad members.
Meanwhile, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s inclusion at just 14 has generated considerable buzz. Cricket analysts are keen to watch how this young prodigy handles international pressure and pitches that are far more demanding than subcontinental conditions.
Overall, the tour is seen as a strategic step by the BCCI to sharpen the skills of India’s future stars and build a strong bench strength. With several talented youngsters in the mix, Indian cricket fans will be keeping a close eye on their performances.
