Bengal leg-spinner Rohit Yadav has been withdrawn from India’s Under-19 squads for the upcoming home series against Australia after discrepancies were found in his age-related records. The BCCI has named Saurashtra’s Aryan Savsani as his replacement in the One-Day squad and Haryana’s Tanmay Baloda for the Multi-Day team. 

The BCCI’s Junior Cricket Committee announced the changes on Tuesday. Rohit had initially been selected for both the One-Day and Multi-Day fixtures against Australia U-19, which will be played in Rajkot and Ahmedabad. 

Rohit withdrawn after age discrepancy

According to the BCCI, Rohit was removed from both squads because of age discrepancies. The board’s latest official release confirms his withdrawal but does not provide details of the documents or the specific discrepancy. 

Reports based on the Cricket Association of Bengal’s (CAB) verification process say Rohit was handed a two-year banafter irregularities were detected during a pre-season documentation review. He had been part of India’s U-19 tour of Sri Lanka in July. 

The reported discrepancy in his age is 27 months, according to information attributed to the CAB. The episode is part of a wider scrutiny of age-related documentation in Bengal age-group cricket.

Aryan Savsani gets One-Day opportunity

The BCCI has selected Aryan Savsani of the Saurashtra Cricket Association to replace Rohit in the One-Day squad.

Savsani joins a squad led by Lakshya Raichandani, with Yashbardhan Chauhan serving as vice-captain. The team also includes Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid, who were part of the original squad announced last month. 

For Savsani, the late change provides an opportunity to be part of an India U-19 side facing Australia in a three-match One-Day series.

Tanmay Baloda added to Multi-Day team

Tanmay Baloda of Haryana Cricket Association has been brought into the Multi-Day squad in place of Rohit.

The longer-format team will be captained by Yashbardhan Chauhan, with Lakshya Raichandani as his deputy. The squad also features two wicketkeepers — Manav Krishna and Abhipray Biswas. 

The two replacements mean Rohit’s place has been filled separately in each format rather than by a single player.

Australia U-19 series schedule

India U-19 will host Australia U-19 for three One-Day matches and two Multi-Day fixtures.

The three One-Day games will be played in Rajkot on September 18, 21 and 23. The first Multi-Day fixture will also be held in Rajkot from September 27 to 30, while the second will take place in Ahmedabad from October 5 to 8. 

The series is part of India’s preparation and development programme for its next generation of international cricketers.

Wider age-verification issue in Bengal

Rohit’s case has emerged amid broader scrutiny of age documentation in Bengal cricket. Reports have said the CAB flagged dozens of players for discrepancies, including former India U-19 World Cup winner Ravi Kumar. 

However, individual cases should be distinguished from one another. A documentation discrepancy does not by itself establish deliberate manipulation unless the relevant disciplinary process determines that.

In Rohit’s case, the BCCI has confirmed his withdrawal from the Australia U-19 squads because of age discrepancies, while reports separately state that a two-year ban was imposed.

India U-19 One-Day Squad

Lakshya Raichandani (C), Yashbardhan Chauhan (VC), Rajat Baghel (WK), Aaryavir Sehwag, V.K. Vineet, Kushagra Ojha, Arjun Rajput, Manal Chauhan, Anvay Dravid (WK), V. Yashveer, Shavin Vinodh, Mohit Ulva, Chigurupati Venkata, Kavya Patel, Aryan Savsani. 

India U-19 Multi-Day Squad

Yashbardhan Chauhan (C), Lakshya Raichandani (VC), Sagar Virk, Kushagra Ojha, Manal Chauhan, Kush Patel, Manav Krishna (WK), Abhipray Biswas (WK), Ishan Om, Ayaan Akram, Pranav Ragavendra, Priyanshu Singh, Mohit Ulva, Aryan Yadav, Tanmay Baloda. 

India U-19 produced an impressive fightback on the opening day of the second Youth Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, recovering from a disastrous start to finish at 253/3 in 65 overs before rain and bad light brought play to an early close.

The visitors found themselves in deep trouble after both openers, Lakshya Raichandani and Sagar Virk, were dismissed without scoring, leaving India at 0/2.

However, captain Yashvardhan Chauhan and Kushagra Ojha steadied the innings with a crucial 122-run partnership for the third wicket.

Yashvardhan played a composed knock of 78 before being dismissed, while Kushagra remained unbeaten on 103, registering a well-crafted century under pressure.

After the skipper's departure, Manal Chauhan joined Kushagra at the crease, and the duo added an unbeaten 131-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Manal ended the day on 55 not out, putting India firmly in control heading into the second day's play.

For Sri Lanka, Gimhan Mendis claimed two wickets, while Sethmika Seneviratne picked up one dismissal.

Kushagra Ojha's Century Rescues India

Kushagra Ojha's unbeaten hundred proved to be the defining innings of the day.

After India's top-order collapse, the right-hander showed patience and maturity, rotating the strike effectively before accelerating as the innings progressed. His partnership first with captain Yashvardhan Chauhan and later with Manal Chauhan helped India seize the momentum despite the challenging start.

With seven wickets still in hand, India will look to build a substantial first-innings total when play resumes.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) also announced its Player of the Month awards for June, honouring New Zealand fast bowler Nathan Smith and England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge for their outstanding performances.

Nathan Smith Wins Men's Award

Nathan Smith claimed the men's award after starring in New Zealand's 2-1 Test series victory over England.

The fast bowler finished as the series' leading wicket-taker with 16 wickets, including a memorable 9-wicket match haul at Lord's, highlighted by figures of 6/70 in the second innings.

Smith edged out India captain Shubman Gill and Bangladesh all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain to receive the honour.

After winning the award, Smith said contributing to New Zealand's series victory was the most rewarding part of his performances.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge Takes Women's Honour

England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge received the women's Player of the Month award following a sensational run of form.

She scored an unbeaten 105 off 62 balls against Sri Lanka before following it up with an unbeaten 89 from 53 deliveries against New Zealand during the tournament. Wyatt-Hodge was named Player of the Match in both contests.

Reflecting on the recognition, the England batter said that playing a World Cup final at Lord's would remain one of the most memorable moments of her career.

How ICC Player of the Month Winners Are Chosen

The ICC Player of the Month awards are decided through a combination of global fan voting and assessments made by an independent panel comprising former international cricketers, broadcasters, and cricket journalists.

India’s Young Guns Fire, Bowl Out New Zealand for 135 in Crucial World Cup Encounter

In a commanding display at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, India’s Under-19 team bundled out New Zealand for a mere 135 runs in their final Group B fixture of the ICC U-19 World Cup 2026. The victory was set up by a sensational bowling performance, spearheaded by RS Ambrish’s four-wicket haul and well-supported by Henil Patel’s three scalps. India now need 136 runs to secure their third consecutive win in the tournament.

Bowling Masterclass in Bulawayo

After winning the toss and opting to field, India’s decision was immediately vindicated. The innings was twice interrupted by rain, reducing the match to 37 overs per side, but the Indian bowlers maintained relentless pressure. RS Ambrish struck early and often, reducing New Zealand to 22/5 within the first ten overs. His crucial double-wicket over, followed by two more breakthroughs, dismantled the Kiwi top order.

Henil Patel provided impeccable support, chipping in with three wickets, including the final blow to end the innings. The spin duo of Khilan Patel and Kanishk Chouhan also contributed with a wicket each, ensuring New Zealand never gained momentum. Only Jacob Cotter (23) and Selwin Sanjay (28) offered some resistance, but regular wickets kept the total within reach.

Context and Implications

This match held significant weight for both sides. India U-19, led by Ayush Mhatre, entered with two wins and aimed to maintain a perfect record heading into the Super Six stage. For New Zealand, both previous fixtures were washed out, leaving them with only two points and a desperate need for a positive result. Historically, India has dominated this junior rivalry, winning all five of their last meetings, and today’s performance extended that streak.

The conditions in Bulawayo played a part, with wet outfields delaying the start and rain interrupting play. However, India adapted brilliantly, showcasing depth and discipline in their bowling attack—a promising sign for the knockout stages.

What’s Next for India U-19?

With a modest target of 136, India’s strong batting lineup will be confident of sealing the win. Openers and key players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi will look to build a solid foundation. A victory here will not only affirm India’s top spot in Group B but also inject tremendous momentum as they advance to the Super Six.

For New Zealand, the campaign faces stiff challenges. Their batting must regroup quickly if they hope to compete in the next round.

As the chase begins shortly, all eyes are on India’s young stars to complete a comprehensive all-round victory. Their blend of aggressive bowling and cohesive teamwork makes them one of the tournament favorites, and today’s display only solidifies that reputation.