Overview
- Ayush Mhatre was confirmed as captain and Vihaan Malhotra as vice-captain for the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6.
- Both Mhatre and Malhotra have wrist injuries, will skip the South Africa tour, and will undergo management at the BCCI Centre of Excellence before rejoining for the World Cup.
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi was appointed interim captain for three ODIs against South Africa at Willowmoore Park, Benoni on January 3, 5 and 7, with Aaron George as vice-captain.
- India were placed in Group B alongside the USA, Bangladesh and New Zealand and will open against the USA on January 15 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
- Selectors retained core personnel from the Asia Cup but included Mohamed Enaan and R. S. Ambrish, with Yuvraj Gohil and Naman Pushpak omitted.