The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament, celebrating the standout performers of a thrilling edition of junior cricket’s biggest global event. The announcement has generated widespread discussion, particularly in India and England, after several high-profile names made the elite XI-while India’s title-winning captain Ayush Mhatre was notably left out.
India emerged as champions of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, defeating England by a commanding 100-run margin in the final. While the team’s collective brilliance was undeniable, the ICC’s selection panel focused on individual excellence across the tournament when finalising the Team of the Tournament. As a result, three Indian players earned selection, led by the sensational Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose record-breaking performances lit up the competition.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The 14-Year-Old Prodigy Who Stole the Show
At just 14 years of age, Vaibhav Suryavanshi produced one of the most remarkable Under-19 World Cup campaigns in history. The explosive opener was instrumental in India’s title triumph and emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest global talking points.
Suryavanshi’s defining moment came in the final against England, where he delivered a breathtaking innings of 175 runs off just 80 balls. His knock featured an astonishing 15 sixes and 15 fours, completely dismantling England’s bowling attack and setting up India’s emphatic victory.
Across the tournament, Vaibhav accumulated 439 runs in seven matches, including a century, consistently giving India flying starts at the top of the order. His fearless stroke play, composure beyond his years, and ability to dominate world-class youth bowlers made his inclusion in the ICC Team of the Tournament a formality.
India’s Representatives in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament
In addition to Suryavanshi, India saw two more players rewarded for their all-round contributions:
- Kanishk Chauhan, who made a strong impact with both bat and ball
- Henil Patel, whose consistent wicket-taking spells proved vital
Henil Patel, in particular, impressed throughout the tournament, finishing with 11 wickets, including a memorable five-wicket haul against the United States. His ability to strike at crucial moments earned him recognition among the world’s best Under-19 performers.
Indian Players Selected – Performance Overview
| Player Name | Role | Key Tournament Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | Opening Batter | 439 runs in 7 matches, 175 in final |
| Kanishk Chauhan | All-rounder | Valuable runs and wickets across matches |
| Henil Patel | Bowler | 11 wickets, including 5-for vs USA |
England’s Strong Presence Despite Final Loss
Although England finished as runners-up, their players made a strong impression throughout the tournament, resulting in three selections in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament.
Leading the English contingent is Thomas Rew, who served as both captain and wicketkeeper. Rew enjoyed a stellar campaign, scoring 330 runs at an average of 66, including a match-winning century in the semi-final against Australia.
Joining Rew are two more standout English performers:
- Ben Mayes, the tournament’s leading run-scorer
- Manny Lumsden, the highest wicket-taker in Maryland venues
Ben Mayes topped the batting charts with 444 runs, highlighted by a monumental 191-run innings against Scotland. He narrowly missed breaking the all-time highest individual score in ICC Under-19 World Cup history, falling just one run short of the record set days earlier.
England Players in the Team of the Tournament
| Player Name | Role | Tournament Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Rew | Captain / WK | 330 runs, semi-final century |
| Ben Mayes | Top-order Batter | 444 runs, 191 vs Scotland |
| Manny Lumsden | Fast Bowler | 16 wickets, most in Maryland |
Sri Lanka’s Record-Breaker Earns Recognition
Sri Lankan batter Viran Chamuditha also secured his place in the ICC’s elite XI after scripting history during the tournament. His unforgettable 192-run innings against Japan included 26 boundaries and one six, making it one of the most dominant knocks ever seen in Under-19 World Cup cricket.
Chamuditha’s performance not only placed him among the top run-getters of the tournament but also etched his name into ICC record books, earning him deserved selection in the Team of the Tournament.
Afghanistan’s Rising Stars Make Their Mark
Afghanistan’s impressive run to the semi-finals was powered by several outstanding individual displays, two of which were recognised by the ICC selectors.
- Faisal Khan Shinozada
- Nooristani Umarzai
Shinozada concluded the tournament in sensational fashion, scoring back-to-back centuries against Ireland and India, showcasing his temperament against top opposition. Umarzai, meanwhile, emerged as a reliable strike bowler, finishing with 14 wickets, including a remarkable five-wicket haul for just nine runs against Tanzania.
Their inclusion highlights Afghanistan’s continued rise in youth cricket and the growing depth of talent emerging from the nation.
Full ICC U19 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament
| Player | Country | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | India | Opener |
| Ben Mayes | England | Top-order Batter |
| Viran Chamuditha | Sri Lanka | Batter |
| Thomas Rew (C, WK) | England | Captain / Wicketkeeper |
| Kanishk Chauhan | India | All-rounder |
| Faisal Khan Shinozada | Afghanistan | Batter |
| Nooristani Umarzai | Afghanistan | Bowler |
| Manny Lumsden | England | Fast Bowler |
| Henil Patel | India | Bowler |
| Additional Bowlers | Mixed | Pace/Spin options |
Why Ayush Mhatre Missed Out Despite Leading India to Glory
One of the biggest talking points following the announcement was the absence of India’s title-winning captain Ayush Mhatre. Despite guiding India to their sixth Under-19 World Cup title, Mhatre did not find a place in the ICC’s Team of the Tournament.
Mhatre scored 217 runs in seven matches, including three half-centuries, and played a crucial leadership role throughout the campaign. However, the ICC selection criteria prioritised standout statistical impact and match-defining individual performances, which ultimately worked against his inclusion.
Conclusion: India vs England U19 World Cup Final: India Clinch Historic Sixth Title After Batting Masterclass
ICC U19 World Cup 2026: A Tournament to Remember
The ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 will be remembered for its exceptional quality, record-breaking performances, and the emergence of future international stars. From Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s jaw-dropping final innings to Ben Mayes’ consistency and Afghanistan’s breakthrough moments, the tournament delivered cricketing excellence on every front.
The release of the Icc u19 world cup 2026 team of the tournament schedule not only honours these performances but also provides fans with a glimpse into the next generation of global cricket superstars.
As many of these players prepare to transition into senior domestic and international cricket, their exploits in this World Cup are likely to be remembered as the first major step in what could be extraordinary careers.