5 U19 Cricketers who can be the next generation of Indian stars

In today's competitive cricketing world, India's Under‑19 system has never been so competitive, and in 2025, a few of the young guns have already made their mark as stars of tomorrow. As India’s youth pipeline churns out talent at an unprecedented rate, these five Under‑19 stars of 2025 exemplify the blend of skill, temperament, and adaptability needed at the highest level. The future of Indian cricket looks assured and brightly lit by these rising stars. Keep an eye on them as their senior caps may not be far away.

From record‑shattering innings to leadership by example, these are five Under‑19 cricketers who, through their achievements this year, are ready to move on to the senior team in the next season.

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Barely into his teens, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has emerged as the breakout batter of India’s U‑19 tour of England. On July 5, he blasted a sparkling 143 off 78 balls against England in Worcester, featuring ten sixes and 13 fours, and stitched together a 219‑run stand with partner Vihaan Malhotra (129). 

Suryavanshi’s fearless style isn’t confined to youth internationals. In IPL 2025, he became the youngest men's T20 centurion with a 35-ball hundred for Rajasthan Royals, displaying power and timing that are against his age. He has already shown the world that he belongs to the biggest of the stages and is only going to improve and get better now.

2. Ayush Mhatre 

Given the captain's armband for India's Under‑19 tour, Ayush Mhatre couples leadership with run‑making. At 17, he already has a big-stage performer reputation—this season of IPL, he has scored 163 runs at a strike rate of 185, with a 94 off 48 balls for Chennai Super Kings, which earned him admiration from coach Stephen Fleming for his "beautiful, silky swing" and pressure temperament. 

Away from the IPL pitch, Mhatre's composed demeanour has steered India through nervous chases and astute bowling switches, identifying him as a future leader at more senior levels. He can be the aggressive batter that the team needs while also being the calm captain. 

3. Vihaan Malhotra 

Opposite Suryavanshi, who opened on his debut, Vihaan Malhotra has been India's reliable foil at the top. He has shifted to number three and is part of an amazing top order for India Under-19 currently. 

Born January 1, 2007, Malhotra scored 129 off 121 balls in the same July 5 game, holding up the innings with finicky placement and patient shot‑selection. His left‑handed style of play and knack for rotating strike in pressure situations have made him a regular in the top order; in five ODIs of the tour, he's averaged above 45 and contributed off‑break overs when necessary.

4. R S Ambrish 

Baroda's talented all-rounder R S Ambrish has burst onto the U-19 scene with a flurry of wickets and useful lower-order scores. His ESPNcricinfo profile reveals a sequence of multi-wicket returns, most notably 4 / 80 in the second Youth ODI. He also had a match-changing 66* off 68 balls in the fifth ODI that steered India from 135/7 to a fighting total. Adept at bowling medium pace and clearing the ropes, Ambrish provides the balance every contemporary team yearns for.

5. Abhigyan Kundu 

Named vice‑captain of the U‑19 squad, Mumbai’s Abhigyan Kundu combines safe hands behind the stumps with counter‑attacking batting. Born April 30, 2008, Kundu has impressed with a string of catches, including three in a single match, and a composed 45* off 34 balls in the opening Youth ODI chase, steering India to a six‑wicket win in just 24 overs. His left‑handed lower‑middle‑order contributions and knack for reading bowlers make him a vital cog in the side’s engine room.

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