Vijay Zol to lead India in Under-19 World Cup

India will defend its Under-19 World Cup title in the captainship of Vijay Zol, who recently led India to junior Asia Cup victory, as the talented batsman has been named skipper of the 15-man squad.

The ICC Under-19 World Cup is scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in February.

The All-India Junior Selection Committee met here to select the Indian team for the big event.

The three-time champions, India have been clubbed with Pakistan, Scotland and Papua New Guinea in Group A. India will open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 15 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India won the U-19 World Cup title in 2000, 2008 and 2012.

The 19-year-old Zol had scored an unbeaten 91 to help Maharashtra chase down a 252-run target and beat Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals last week.

The Squad: Vijay Zol (C), Akhil Herwadkar, Ankush Bains, Ricky Bhui, Sanju Vishwanadh Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Deepak Hooda, Kuldeep Yadav, Amir Gani, Karan Kaila, C.V. Milind, Avesh Khan, Monu Kumar Singh and Atit Seth.

Team Management: B. Arun (Coach), R Sridhar (Assistant Coach), Biju George (Fielding), Sreenivas PR (Physio), Anant Date (Trainer), Ashutosh Dandige (Video Analyst) and RI Palani (Manager).

PTI