India’s U-19 Cricket Team is gearing up for an exciting tour of England, featuring a robust schedule of ODI and Test matches against their English counterparts. This tour is a vital stepping stone for the young cricketers as they prepare for the Under-19 World Cup, slated for January in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Tour Schedule for India’s U-19 Cricket
The tour kicks off with a five-match ODI series of India’s U-19 Cricket, followed by a two-match Test series. Below is the detailed itinerary:
India’s U-19 Cricket ODI Series
- 1st ODI: June 27, Hove
- 2nd ODI: June 30, Northampton
- 3rd ODI: July 2, Northampton
- 4th ODI: July 5, Worcester
- 5th ODI: July 7, Worcester
India’s U-19 Cricket Test Series
- 1st Test: July 12-15, Venue TBD
- 2nd Test: July 20-23, Chelmsford
This tour follows the team’s last outing at the Asia Cup in the UAE, where they reached the final but fell short against Bangladesh.
Spotlight on Young Talent
The England tour offers a prime opportunity for India’s budding cricketers to showcase their skills. Among the standout prospects are:
- Ayush Mhatre, a 17-year-old Mumbai batter representing Chennai Super Kings, known for his technical prowess and consistency.
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old sensation who recently captivated audiences with a historic century in IPL 2025. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, Suryavanshi smashed a 35-ball ton against Gujarat Titans on April 28 at Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh Stadium, securing the second-fastest century in IPL history. His fearless approach was on full display as he hammered a 30-run over against Karim Janat and dispatched a six off Rashid Khan to reach his hundred, earning a standing ovation from the crowd.
Suryavanshi’s meteoric rise highlights his potential to become a cornerstone of Indian cricket. His aggressive batting and composure under pressure have drawn praise, with Rajasthan Royals’ batting coach predicting a bright future for the young left-hander.
Strategic Importance
The England tour serves as critical preparation for the U-19 World Cup, offering players exposure to challenging conditions and high-level competition. With India’s senior team, led by Rohit Sharma, also touring England for a five-match Test series starting June 20, the U-19 squad’s performances will be under the spotlight as selectors scout for future stars.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi: A Record-Breaking Prodigy
Suryavanshi’s IPL 2025 performance deserves special mention. Chasing a daunting 210 set by Gujarat Titans, the 14-year-old raced to a half-century in just 17 balls, maintaining his aggressive intent throughout. His century, achieved with a towering six off Rashid Khan, came in 35 balls, trailing only Chris Gayle’s 30-ball IPL record. Suryavanshi’s ability to dominate a seasoned bowling attack, including Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan and Karim Janat, underscores his extraordinary talent and mental fortitude.
As India’s U-19 team embarks on this pivotal tour, the performances of players like Suryavanshi and Mhatre could shape the future of Indian cricket, offering a glimpse of the next generation of stars.