Emerging Indian Cricket Stars Shine Bright in 2025
The Rise of Young Talent in Indian Cricket
The year 2025 marked a significant emergence of young Indian cricketers in various domestic and youth tournaments. Players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre, and Abhigyan Kundu made headlines with their record-setting performances, while Aaron George and Deepesh Devendran showcased their skills during the U19 Asia Cup.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi: A Prodigy in the Making
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old sensation from Bihar, had an outstanding debut IPL season, scoring 252 runs, which included a century and a fifty, averaging 36 across seven matches. His momentum continued into the Youth ODI and Test series against England and Australia. Suryavanshi emerged as the highest run-scorer in the Asia Cup Emerging Stars and the second-highest in the U19 Asia Cup, with a remarkable 190 runs off 84 balls in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match.
Ayush Mhatre: Leading from the Front
Following a stellar IPL season with the Chennai Super Kings, where he scored 240 runs at an average of 34.28, Ayush Mhatre was appointed captain of India's U19 team. Under his leadership, the team secured series victories against England and Australia. Despite a wrist injury affecting his performance in Youth ODIs, Mhatre excelled in Youth Tests, accumulating 378 runs at an average of 54.00.
Aaron George: A Rising Star
Aaron George from Kerala made a significant impact during the U19 Asia Cup 2025, scoring three consecutive fifties against UAE, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, totaling 228 runs at an average of 76. His impressive performance earned him a place in India's U19 World Cup squad set to begin on January 15.
Abhigyan Kundu: A Record-Breaking Performance
Abhigyan Kundu, a 17-year-old from Mumbai, gained recognition for his record-breaking innings of 209 runs off 125 balls against Malaysia in the U19 Asia Cup. He finished as the highest run-scorer for India in the tournament, amassing 276 runs at an average of 138.00. In Youth ODIs, he scored 337 runs, making him the third-highest run-getter for India.
Deepesh Devendran: Bowling Sensation
Deepesh Devendran stood out as the leading wicket-taker in the U19 Asia Cup, claiming 14 wickets in five matches. His performance was crucial in helping India reach the final, where they faced Pakistan. In Youth ODIs, he took 12 wickets at an average of 28.50.
Vihaan Malhotra: A Key Player
As the vice-captain of the U19 team, Vihaan Malhotra played a pivotal role in India's success during tours of England and Australia. He was the fourth-highest run-scorer in the U19 Asia Cup, with 156 runs, and the leading run-scorer in Youth ODIs, accumulating 511 runs at an average of 46.45.
Kanishk Chouhan: The All-Rounder
Kanishk Chouhan emerged as a reliable all-rounder for the U19 team, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. In the U19 Asia Cup, he scored 97 runs and took seven wickets. Throughout the year, he was the highest wicket-taker in Youth ODIs, claiming 20 wickets at an average of 22.