Uttarakhand’s Lakshya Raichandani has been appointed captain of the Indian team for the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Muscat, Oman, from November 5 to 14. India have announced a 15-member squad for the continental tournament, with young talents Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid among the notable selections.
Raichandani will continue to lead India’s Under-19 side in the one-day format, while Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan has been named vice-captain. Chauhan recently captained India in the two Youth Tests against Australia in September and October, highlighting the selectors’ confidence in his leadership abilities.
India will enter the tournament after an impressive 3-0 clean sweep against Australia in the Youth ODI series. The selectors have retained the core of that successful squad, making just one change ahead of the Asia Cup.
Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid Among Key Selections
The selection of Aaryavir Sehwag, son of former India opening batter Virender Sehwag, and Anvay Dravid, son of former India captain and head coach Rahul Dravid, has attracted attention.
Both youngsters will have an opportunity to showcase their abilities on a major age-group stage as India aim to continue their strong record in youth cricket.
Anvay Dravid has been included as a wicketkeeper, alongside Rajat Baghel, giving the squad two designated wicketkeeping options. The team also features a mix of batters, all-rounders and bowling options as India prepare for the challenge of competing against some of Asia’s strongest Under-19 sides.
The squad’s continuity following the series win over Australia could prove valuable, with several players already having experience playing together in the one-day format.
India Make One Change After Australia Series
India have made only one alteration to the squad that defeated Australia 3-0 in the Youth ODIs. Ishan Sood has been brought into the team in place of Chigurupati Venkata.
The selectors have largely backed the group that delivered consistent performances against Australia, allowing the players to carry their momentum into the Asia Cup.
The tournament will provide an important opportunity for the young cricketers to gain international experience and test themselves against different playing conditions. With matches scheduled in Muscat, adapting quickly to the conditions will be an important part of India’s campaign.
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India U19 Squad for ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026
- Lakshya Raichandani (Captain)
- Aaryavir Sehwag
- V.K. Vineeth
- Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan (Vice-Captain)
- Kushagra Ojha
- Arjun Rajput
- Manal Chauhan
- Anvay Dravid (Wicketkeeper)
- Rajat Baghel (Wicketkeeper)
- V. Yashveer
- Aryan Savsani
- Mohit Ulva
- Kavya Patel
- Shavin Vinodh
- Ishan Sood
India Placed in Group A With Pakistan
The ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four. Each team will compete against the other sides in its group, with the top two teams progressing to the semifinals.
India have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The group promises competitive encounters, particularly with Pakistan also among India’s opponents.
India will begin their campaign against Nepal on November 6 at the OCC Turf 1 Ground in Muscat. The team will then look to build momentum in the group stage and secure a place in the semifinals.
With Raichandani leading the side and a largely settled squad coming off a convincing series victory against Australia, India will aim to make a strong start to the tournament.
The Asia Cup will also offer the selected players an opportunity to strengthen their credentials for future age-group assignments and potentially progress towards higher levels of competitive cricket.