BULAWAYO: Favourites India will look to showcase their depth and talent as they begin their campaign for a record-extending sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup title against USA on Thursday. The 16-team tournament, jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, marks another opportunity for India to underline their dominance in age-group cricket.

India have won the title five times, in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018 and 2022, making them the most successful team in the history of the competition, which began in 1988.

Several modern greats of the game, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Joe Root, Kane Williamson and Steve Smith, first made their mark at this level. More recently, India’s current Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill announced himself with a prolific 2018 campaign.

After losing to Australia in the final of the 2024 edition, India will be eager to reclaim the trophy.

The current squad appears balanced and battle-ready, having won 13 of their last 16 matches, including away series victories in England, Australia and South Africa.

The team will be led by Ayush Mhatre, with Vihaan Malhotra as his deputy, while much of the spotlight will be on 14-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

Already one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the world, Suryavanshi grabbed headlines with a stunning 35-ball century during the 2025 IPL season. Aaron George, the top-scorer for India at the U-19 Asia Cup, and the consistent Abhigyan Kundu add solidity to the batting lineup.

Mhatre and Malhotra return after missing warm-up series against South Africa due to injury, strengthening middle order.