The BCCI junior selection committee has named India's Under-19 squad for the upcoming series against Australia. The teams will play three one-day matches and two multi-day games in Rajkot and Ahmedabad next month.
However, Indian fans may be surprised to see that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has not been picked for either squad.
Why can Vaibhav Sooryavanshi no longer feature in India's U-19 team?
The Rajasthan Royals opener is just 15 years old and can still play for India's Under-19 team. However, his last U-19 appearance came at the ICC U-19 ODI World Cup 2026 in Zimbabwe. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history earlier this year when he became India's youngest ever international debutant at the age of 15 years and 99 days during the England tour. However, the BCCI has changed its Under-19 rules meaning Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can no longer be picked for the U-19 team.
What is the BCCI rule that prevents players from attending multiple U-19 World Cups?
In 2016, the BCCI introduced a rule that stopped players from taking part in more than one Under-19 World Cup, even if they were still eligible by age. Washington Sundar also missed the 2018 Under-19 World Cup because of this rule.
Which past players featured in multiple U-19 World Cups before the rule change?
Before Washington Sundar, players such as Sarfaraz Khan, Sandeep Sharma and Vijay Zol had played in more than one Under-19 World Cup. However, Sooryavanshi has already featured in the 2026 U-19 World Cup, so he cannot play in another edition of the tournament.
How impressive was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's performance at the 2026 U-19 World Cup?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi finished as the second-highest run-getter at the ICC U-19 ODI World Cup 2026. He scored 439 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 169.49. His campaign included one hundred and three fifties, with his best score being 175 in the final against England.
Which star kids were named in India's U-19 squad instead?
Instead of picking Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the BCCI has selected the sons of former India stars Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid. Aryavir Sehwag has received his first Under-19 call-up for the one-day matches against Australia while Anvay Dravid has kept his place in the squad.
When will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi return to action for the senior national side?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was retained by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 1.1 crore ahead of IPL 2026, he is expected to play next in India's three match T20I series against Afghanistan. The series will begin on September 13 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
What major upcoming tournament is next on Sooryavanshi's schedule?
The 15 years old opener has also been picked for Shreyas Iyer's squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Indian team has advanced directly to the quarter-finals and will play its first match on September 28.