Young prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been named as the captain of the Indian U19 team for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against South Africa. The series will take place from January 3-7 at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. Suryavanshi will step into the leadership role in the absence of regular captain Ayush Mhatre, with Aaron Charge named as his deputy.
The announcement of Suryavanshi’s captaincy comes at the same time that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed the U19 squads for both the ODIs in South Africa and the ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup. The accolade follows a stunning return to form for the 14-year-old, who recently announced his comeback in spectacular style.
Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra, both key members of the U19 team, have suffered wrist injuries and will miss the tour of South Africa. They will report to the BCCI Center of Excellence for further treatment and rehabilitation before rejoining the team for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup.
Suryavanshi grabbed the headlines with a record-breaking performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he hit the second-fastest Indian List A century. Playing for Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh in Ranchi, he reached 100 runs in just 36 balls – second only to Anmolpreet Singh’s 35 balls in Punjab in 2024. Suryavanshi’s blistering knock of 190 off 84 balls, including 16 fours and 15 Arunachal and 15 dominant sixes, helped secure victory over 37 and sixes. Pradesh.
Suryavanshi was recently named Bihar’s vice-captain for the first two rounds of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season following his impressive performances in junior cricket. This decision comes in the light of recent administrative changes in the Bihar Cricket Association. Batter Sakibul Gani will lead the team, with Suryavanshi expected to play a vital support role early in the domestic season.
Indian U19 team for South Africa
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (C), Aaron George (VC), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Rahav Gomar Singh, U
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
December 27, 2025
