Indian captain dropped from ICC U19 World Cup team of the tournament; check best playing XI

ICC unveil U19 World Cup team of the tournament [Source: @mygovindia/X.com]

Indian skipper Ayush Mhatre marshalled the side with calmness and maturity to guide the team to a record sixth title. However, Mhatre was overlooked by the selectors and did not find a place in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Team of the Tournament despite lifting the trophy.

His absence came as a surprise, especially given his involvement and contributions in these crucial matches. While Mhatre missed out, Vaibhav Suryavanshi found his deserved place in the ultimate XI.

Ayush Mhatre was very poor in the tournament as a batter

Interestingly, Ayush Mhatre captained India U19 throughout the tournament and handled pressure situations well. 

He made wise decisions on the field and supported the players at appropriate times. Under his guidance, India remained unbeaten and dominated most matches.

With the bat, however, Ayush Mhatre played important knocks, though he did not post big individual scores. The skipper could score 214 runs in 7 innings, averaging 30.57. However, his role was more about stability, not aggressively scoring goals. 

In a tournament where several players produced eye-catching numbers, this may have worked against him during selection. 

The ICC team of the tournament favoured match-winners

The ICC U19 World Cup 2026 team of the tournament focused heavily on standout performances. Players who produced match-winning knocks or large wicket hauls were preferred. 

The record-breaker himself, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, was a sure bet for selection with his 175* in the final match. Kanishk Chouhan and Henil Patel earned their selection with consistent all-round contributions. 

Across teams, selectors leaned towards players with big statistics. Ben Mayes topped the run charts. Manny Lumsden led the wickets tally. Viran Chamuditha smashed a historic 192. In comparison, Mhatre’s contributions were quieter but steady. Leadership alone was not enough to secure a spot.

Final heroics could not change the outcome

Ayush Mhatre played a crucial role in the final against England. After India lost an early wicket, he partnered with Vaibhav Suryavanshi in a defining stand. The duo added 142 runs and took the game away from England. 

Mhatre rotated the strike well and allowed Suryavanshi to play freely. Despite this impact, the final selection appears to have been based on overall tournament output rather than one key innings. 

Thomas Rew of England was named captain of the team due to his consistent run-scoring and match-winning century in the semi-final.

Omission does not diminish his value

Being left out of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 team of the tournament does not take away from Ayush Mhatre’s importance. 

Captaining a title-winning side at the World Cup is a major achievement. His calm approach and team-first mindset stood out across the competition.

Selectors often look for balance, but such teams cannot always include every deserving player. 

Ayush Mhatre remains one of India’s most promising young leaders. His growth as a cricketer is far from complete. With more opportunities ahead, he is likely to remain a strong contender for future honours.

ICC U19 World Cup 2026 team of the tournament 

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India), Viran Chamuditha (Sri Lanka), Faisal Khan Shinozada (Afghanistan), Thomas Rew (England – wk, captain), Oliver Peake (Australia), Ben Mayes (England), Kanishk Chouhan (India), Nooristani Omarzai (Afghanistan), Vitel Lawes (West Indies), Ali Raza (Pakistan), Manny Lumsden (England), Henil Patel (India)