- By Himanshu Badola
- Sat, 03 Jan 2026 03:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India U19 vs South Africa U19 Match Updates: Vaibhav Suryavanshi scripted his name in the history books as he stepped up as the skipper of India's U-19 team for the three-match ODI series against South Africa U-19, with the first match kicking off on Saturday. India were put into bat first after losing the toss at the Willowmoore Park in Benoni.
At the age of just 14, Suryavanshi became the youngest player to captain a side in a Youth ODI, marking an unprecedented achievement in youth international cricket. This was also his first time captaining an Indian national team at any level. Notably, Vaibhav was appointed as captain in the absence of regular skipper Ayush Mhatre and vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra. Having been sidelined with injuries, Mhatre and Malhotra are expected to return for the ICC Under-19 World Cup, commencing on January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Suryavanshi not only became the youngest player to lead a side in a Youth ODI, but also the first cricketer in history to captain a national team in any Under-19 international format before turning 16. The previous record, held by Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad since 2007, stood at 15 years and 141 days.
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The left-handed batter has joined an elite list, which features the likes of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Farhan Zakhil, Ambitious Muduma, and Saad Baig. Vaibhav is the youngest player to captain in any Under-19 international format, not just ODIs. Only five cricketers globally have led their national sides in youth internationals before the age of 16.
In Indian cricketing history, the previous youngest captain in a Youth ODI was Abhishek Sharma, who led the team at 16 years and 105 days against South Africa in 2016.
Vaibhav's maiden outing as a skipper didn't go as planned as the star opener managed to score just 11 runs in 12 balls on the back of two fours before he was dismissed by JJ Basson in the seventh over. India had a disappointing start as they were reduced to 67/4 inside the first 15 overs.
India U19 vs South Africa U19 1st ODI Playing XIs:
India U19: Aaron George, Vaibhav Suryavanshi(c), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu(w), Harvansh Pangalia, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Mohamed Enaan, Khilan Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Henil Patel
South Africa U19: Jorich Van Schalkwyk, Adnaan Lagadien, Muhammed Bulbulia(c), Jason Rowles, Armaan Manack, Paul James, Bandile Mbatha, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka(w), JJ Basson, Bayanda Majola, Ntando Soni