Get ready for an exciting edition of the Men's Under-19 World Cup, kicking off on January 15th! Group B is a hotbed of talent, with four teams - India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and the USA - each boasting young stars who are ready to shine on the global stage. Let's dive into the stories of five exceptional players who are set to captivate audiences and leave their mark on this prestigious tournament.
The Rising Star of Rajasthan: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
At just 14 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already become a household name in the cricket world. His incredible knock of 101 runs off just 38 balls for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025 sent shockwaves through the cricket community. Since then, he's been breaking records left and right, both in youth and domestic cricket. Sooryavanshi recently achieved the fastest 150 in men's List A cricket, reaching the milestone in only 59 balls. He also holds the record for the second-highest Youth ODI score for India (171 off 95 balls) and has scored one of the joint-sixth-fastest centuries in all men's T20s. With his incredible talent and an eye for records, Sooryavanshi is poised to make waves in his first Under-19 World Cup.
Mumbai's Batting Sensation: Ayush Mhatre
Ayush Mhatre, the captain of the Indian team, is a teenage batting sensation from the bustling city of Mumbai. He has already made his mark in senior cricket and the IPL, a remarkable feat for someone so young. Last season, Mhatre made his domestic red-ball debut and scored his maiden first-class century in the Ranji Trophy, an achievement that came in just his third game. He continued his impressive form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 181 off 117 balls. Mhatre's IPL debut for the Chennai Super Kings also turned heads, as he smashed 32 runs off only 15 balls. In the lead-up to the Under-19 World Cup, he hit back-to-back centuries for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India's domestic T20 tournament. Mhatre's talent and maturity are sure to be a key asset for the Indian team.
Bangladesh's All-Rounder: Azizul Hakim
Azizul Hakim is a versatile all-rounder who will lead the Bangladesh team six years after their historic maiden Under-19 World Cup title. Hakim is one of only two batters to have scored over 1000 runs in youth cricket since 2024. During this period, he has amassed an impressive 1067 runs in 32 matches, with an average of 41.03. He has also taken 26 wickets at an economy rate of 4.59, showcasing his all-round abilities. Hakim's experience includes playing two first-class games, which will undoubtedly be an asset for the Bangladesh team.
New Zealand's Attacking Batter: Aryan Mann
Aryan Mann is an aggressive batter who can also don the keeper's gloves. On his first-class debut, Mann scored twin half-centuries, an impressive feat for any player. During the domestic season, he shared the Northern Districts dressing room with the legendary Kane Williamson, an experience that will surely have rubbed off on his game. Mann's keeping skills were also on display, as he effected four dismissals on his debut. Last winter, he trained at the Super Kings Academy in Chennai, an opportunity that will have honed his skills further. Mann is eager to make an impact in his first Under-19 World Cup and showcase his talent on the international stage.
USA's Big-Hitting Spin Bowler: Utkarsh Srivastava
Utkarsh Srivastava, an 18-year-old powerhouse, is a big-hitting batter who can also bowl tidy spin. He was the USA's leading run-scorer at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup and returns as captain after a promising ODI debut for the senior side in October 2024. Srivastava showcased his counterattacking abilities by scoring 67 runs off 63 balls against Scotland, entering the game when the USA was struggling at 115 for 5. In the West Indies U-19 Rising Stars Tournament in July 2025, he scored an impressive 289 runs at an average of 41.28, including a century against Barbados. He also picked up nine wickets at an average of 16.88, showcasing his all-round skills. Srivastava is a player to watch out for, as he aims to lead the USA to success in this edition of the Under-19 World Cup.
These five players are just a glimpse into the talent that Group B has to offer. With their skill, determination, and passion for the game, they are set to leave a lasting impression on the tournament. Who will be the breakout star of this edition? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: these young cricketers are ready to take the world by storm.
