U19 WC Live: Sooryavanshi in spotlight as favourites India face USA in the opener

The Indian challenge will be spearheaded by wunderkind Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, skipper Ayush Mhatre, vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra and prolific top-order batter Aaron George.

Sooryavanshi, just 14, has already become one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the world after a stunning 35-ball century in the IPL 2025 season.

George arrives with pedigree too, having been the top-scorer at the U-19 Asia Cup despite India’s final loss to Pakistan.

While Mhatre’s recent form has raised questions, the presence of Abhigyan Kundu and other batting options adds solidity.

India enter this edition with unfinished business after narrowly missing out on the title in 2024, when they lost to Australia in the final.

Having previously lifted the trophy in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018 and 2022, the motivation to reclaim the crown is strong.

The squad’s recent record adds to the optimism — 13 wins in their last 16 matches, including series victories in England, Australia and South Africa, highlight a team that knows how to win, especially away from home. This experience in foreign conditions could prove invaluable on African pitches.

The Under-19 World Cup has long been regarded as cricket’s most reliable talent factory, and India’s imprint on it has been unmistakable.

Over the years, legends such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson, Joe Root and Steve Smith first announced themselves to the world on this very stage.

For India, Kohli’s rise from the 2008-winning squad to becoming one of the modern greats remains a defining narrative.

Current India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, too, burst into prominence in the 2018 edition, underlining how this tournament often serves as a crystal ball into the future of world cricket.

India begin their Under-19 World Cup campaign as overwhelming favourites, carrying the weight of history and the confidence of a system that has consistently produced champions.

As the ICC showpiece gets underway on Thursday, India will open against USA in what is expected to be a relatively comfortable start to their quest for a record-extending sixth title.

Champions in five of the 16 editions so far, India remain the most dominant side in the tournament’s history since its inception in 1988.

Their success is built not just on trophies, but on depth, preparation and a proven pathway that grooms teenagers for the pressures of elite international cricket from a very young age.

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the opening match of the 2026 ICC U19 World Cup between India and USA at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.

India are the overwhelming favourites as five-time champions against the minnows USA.