Kerala's Manav Krishna Selected for India Under-19 Test Squad

Kerala's Under-19 captain, Manav Krishna, has been selected for the India Under-19 Test squad ahead of the series against Sri Lanka. With a remarkable domestic season behind him, including impressive performances in the Cooch Behar Trophy, Krishna's journey from Delhi to Kerala has been marked by significant achievements. His coach praises his adaptability and work ethic, highlighting his potential as a rising star in Indian cricket. This selection not only reflects Krishna's talent but also adds to the growing list of young cricketers emerging from Kerala. Read on to discover more about his journey and future prospects.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 14, 2026, 12:46 IST

National Call-up for Kerala Skipper

Manav Krishna, the captain of the Kerala Under-19 cricket team and a talented wicketkeeper-batter, has received a call-up to represent India in the Under-19 Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. The Indian team is set to engage in three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and two four-day Test matches in Sri Lanka. Hailing from Perurkada, Manav's selection comes after a remarkable domestic season characterized by his explosive batting and solid performances as a wicketkeeper. He amassed a total of 592 runs in the last Under-19 season, including two centuries in the Cooch Behar Trophy, with standout scores of 189 against Saurashtra and 144 against Hyderabad.

A Dream and Aim to Play for India

Upon learning of his selection for the India Under-19 Test squad, Krishna expressed his joy, stating, "I am a right-hand batter and wicketkeeper-batter, and I am thrilled to be selected for the Under-19 team. It has always been my dream to play for India. I feel confident yet nervous and excited at the same time. I began my cricket journey in Delhi before moving to Kerala at the age of 12."

Career Milestones

Manav is among the youngest players to participate in the 2025 Kerala Cricket League auction. He made his first-class debut for Kerala in the Ranji Trophy against Goa in January 2026 and was part of the Kerala squad that toured Oman. The promising young talent received the 'Promising Youngster' award at the NSK Trophy and has undergone specialized training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE). Notably, his younger brother, Madhav Krishna, is also part of Kerala's Under-19 team.

Coach's Praise and Future Prospects

Manav, the son of Unnikrishnan and Anita, trains under coach SS Shine in Thiruvananthapuram. His ascent from age-group cricket to the national team signifies a significant achievement for Kerala cricket, contributing to the growing roster of young talents from the state. Coach SS Shine praised Manav's work ethic, stating, "He is a dedicated player who can adapt to various formats. During his time with the Under-16 team, I coached him in his first year, where he scored two centuries. He then moved directly to the Under-19 team, scoring around 600 runs before joining the National Cricket Academy (NCA). As a wicketkeeper, he is exceptionally quick and maintains a calm demeanor on the field."