Cricket: Rising Indian star Vaibhav Suryavanshi to lead India U-19 against South Africa

by Thobelani Moyo

image Cricket: Rising Indian star Vaibhav Suryavanshi to lead India U-19 against South Africa
India's exciting prospect, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, has been named captain for the U-19 men's three-match ODIs against South Africa in Willowmore Park, Benoni. All eyes will be on the rising star that has gone from record-breaking to leadership duties.

A Gamble: BCCI hands captaincy duties to a youngster

India have taken a huge gamble that could pay off for their under-19 side in the three-match Youth ODI series against South Africa. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named the young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi as captain for the 15-man squad.

The role was previously held by Ayush Mhatre, who is currently recovering from a wrist injury and can not take part in this three-match ODI. However, Mhatre is expected to be available for the upcoming ICC Men’s U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia, 12 days from now, which could also see him return to his regular role. Follow their journey closely using our cricket predictions.

For now, the rising teenage sensation is tasked with guiding India to success in the three-match ODI series against South Africa. Suryavanshi has been making headlines over the past few weeks thanks to his standout performances. 

The 14-year-old has been breaking records for fun and, as things stand, is destined for greatness. He recently scored a breathtaking 190 off 84 balls, which saw him become the youngest centurion in List A cricket.

How can one forget about his debut for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL this year? Not only did he become the youngest player to grace the stage, but his 35-ball century against the Gujarat Titans in the T20s, after settling in, was marked down on paper as the fastest and the second fastest overall. Also, this saw him become the youngest Indian to smash a century.

Check out all his key achievements:

  • Second-fastest century in IPL history
  • Youngest centurion in men's List A cricket
  • Fastest 150 in men's List A cricket
  • Part of a world record team total
  • Scored 190 runs off 84 balls
  • Youngest to notch a men’s T20 hundred
  • Fastest century in a Youth One-Day International
  • Joint-fifth fastest century in all men's T20s
  • Global fame for a first-ball six in the IPL

South Africa: The challengers 

muhammad bulbulia during youth odi tri-seriesSouth Africa are expected to pose a challenge to the five-time ICC Men’s U19 World Cup champions. So far, Proteas have played one preparatory match against the CSA U19 Invitational XI. As expected of them in the end, they won by eight runs.

Led by Muhammad Bulbulia, they will be hoping for another positive outcome as they patiently wait for the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup that's set to take place on 15 January. The 2014 champions are set to face Afghanistan in their opening match.

Indeed, they possess a strong side; however, they have never won a match against the India U-19. Each of their past four meetings ended in defeat. Their most recent meeting was in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, with India U-19 winning by two wickets.

South Africa U19 Vs India U19: 1st Youth ODI 2026 Squads

India U19: Vaibhav Suryavanshi (captain), Aaron George, Harvansh Pangalia, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wicketkeeper), Kanishk Chouhan, RS Ambrish, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Kishan Kumar Singh, Mohamed Enaan, Rahul Kumar, Udhav Mohan, Yuvraj Gohil

South Africa U19: Jorich Van Schalkwyk, Adnaan Lagadien, Muhammed Bulbulia (wicketkeeper & captain), Jason Rowles, Armaan Manack, Paul James, Daniel Bosman, Bandile Mbatha, Ntando Soni, JJ Basson, Bayanda Majola, Corne Botha, Michael Kruiskamp, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka, Enathi Kitshini.