Xtra Time Web Desk:The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s U-19 World Cup and the preceding tri-series in South Africa. Uday Saharan has been appointed as the captain, tasked with defending the title secured in the previous edition under Yash Dhull’s leadership.
The tri-series, featuring India U19 cricket team, England U19, and South Africa U19, is set to commence on December 29, 2023, with the final scheduled for January 10, 2024. This series will serve as a crucial preparation for the young Indian side ahead of the Under-19 World Cup.
Defending champions India are placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, Ireland, and USA. Group B consists of England, South Africa, West Indies, and Scotland. Group C features Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, while Group D comprises Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Nepal.
The tournament will kick off with hosts South Africa facing West Indies on January 19. India’s defense of the title starts on January 20 against Bangladesh, the team that won the silverware in the 2020 edition hosted in South Africa.
A notable change in format for this edition involves a new Super Six stage beginning on January 30, where teams progressing from the group stages will vie for a spot in the semi-finals and subsequently the final. The event promises intense competition as the youth cricketing talents from around the world showcase their skills on the global stage.
India U19 Squad: Arshin Kulkarni, Adarsh Singh, Rudra Mayur Patel, Sachin Dhas, Priyanshu Moliya, Musheer Khan, Uday Saharan (C), Aravelly Avanish Rao (WK), Saumy Kumar Pandey (VC), Murugan Abhishek, Innesh Mahajan (WK), Dhanush Gowda, Aaradhya Shukla, Raj Limbani, Naman Tiwari