Aditya Rana and Khilan Patel Ruled Out; Replacements Announced
In an unfortunate turn of events, India’s U-19 team has been dealt a double blow just ahead of their red-ball tour to England. On Monday, June 16, the BCCI confirmed that left-arm pacer Aditya Rana and promising all-rounder Khilan Patel have been ruled out of the tour due to injuries sustained during the ongoing high-performance camp at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Aditya Rana, who was expected to play a key role with the new ball, suffered a stress fracture in his lower back, while Khilan Patel, a dynamic all-rounder, has picked up a stress reaction in his right leg. Both players will now miss the crucial overseas assignment, forcing the selectors to make changes at the last minute.
The Junior Cricket Committee has named D. Deepesh and Naman Pushpak as replacements for the injured duo. The selection panel acted swiftly to ensure the squad remains balanced and competitive for the English conditions.
Ayush Mhatre to Lead a Promising U19 Side
Despite the setbacks, the Indian U19 side still looks strong and full of talent. The team will be led by Ayush Mhatre, who has impressed with his leadership skills and temperament. One of the key players to watch during the tour will be Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who grabbed headlines recently by smashing a century in the build-up to the series.
The squad includes a solid mix of batters, pacers, and spin options. Abhigyan Kundu will serve as the vice-captain and also take up wicketkeeping duties, while Harvansh Singh is expected to provide backup behind the stumps. Promising names like Vihaan Malhotra, Maulyarajsinh Chavda, Rahul Kumar, and Mohammed Enaan add depth and versatility to the squad.
Here is the updated India U19 squad for the England red-ball tour:
Ayush Mhatre (Captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra, Maulyarajsinh Chavda, Rahul Kumar, Abhigyan Kundu (Vice-Captain & WK), Harvansh Singh (WK), R. S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Henil Patel, Yudhajit Guha, Pranav Raghavendra, Mohammed Enaan, Anmoljeet Singh, D. Deepesh, Naman Pushpak
The team will aim to make a strong impression in England and continue India’s tradition of excellence at the youth level.
