Smit Patel was one of the key figures behind India's 2012 ICC U19 World Cup triumph. His contributions with then the captain of U19 India, skipper Unmukt Chand, in the final match against Australia are on the pages of cricket history. But unfortunately, the highly talented keeper-batter could not make his way to the senior team. In fact, very few cricketers from that U19 side were able to lead their careers at the highest level of the game. Where is Smit Patel now, who scored an unbeaten 62 off 84 to secure India's U19 WC trophy?

He has now moved to the United States of America to represent their national team. The last time he played for the USA was on May 27, 2025, against Oman. He made 41 runs against 47 balls; the USA scored 293 and eventually won the game. Patel made his international debut for the USA last year on August 13. 

The Gujarat-born played for multiple franchises in various T20 leagues. He was in action during this year's Major League Cricket for the Texas Super Kings. Though his performance was not up to the mark. In 8 matches and 6 innings for Super Kings, the 32-year-old got 100 runs in total, including a 38-run innings, which shaped his average to only 16.66. Unlike his batting performances, he was sharp behind the wickets, taking 5 clean catches. 

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Patel participated in the Caribbean Premier League back in 2021 with the Barbados Royals. He scored a half century for Royals, but his overall stats were underwhelming. In 4 CPL innings, he bagged only 70 runs in total. 

In 2021, Smit Patel left all systems under BCCI's governance to pursue his career in the USA. "It's been a different sort of a journey. Starting with the highs of the Under-19 World Cup, then the frustration of not finding a place as a wicketkeeper, and then moving four teams (Gujarat, Tripura, Goa, and Baroda) within India for opportunities," he said before. 

A new age wave on August 26, 2012 lashed on Townsville. A small town, away from hustling and bustling, flooded in blue as India won their third Under 19 ICC World Cup, defeating Australia. Unmukt Chand, then the captain of India U19, led his team to the glory. Chand played an unbeatable 111 off 130 to secure the match and the trophy for Team India. For the World Cup, a group of boys were all together for about 18 months, grew together, and conquered the opponents—India was undoubtedly the deserving champion of the 2012 U19 WC. 

Talking about the match, Australia went to bat first and lost 4 wickets in quick intervals. Their middle order started to give India the real fight. William Bosisto, then the captain of U19 Australia, Travis Head, and Ashton Turner stood tall against the Indian bowling attack. Bosisto remained not out for 87, Head scored 37, Turner got 43, and Australia in total registered 225/8 on the scoreboard. Fast bowler Sandeep Sharma, in peak form, clinched 4 wickets in the process in his 4-over spell. The spinners kept the Australian strike rate close to the ground. 

The target was not too big, but Australians were not there with the intention to roam Team India on the ground without any hesitation. Joel Paris and Ashton Turner tried to control India's batting attack as much as possible. Prashant Chopra went for a duck, but his opening partner, Unmukt Chand, left no stones unturned.

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Chand was the man under spotlight 

He remained firm on the track until his team secured the much-desired victory. Facing 130 balls, the top-order batsman remained unbeaten for 111. Hanuma Vihari and Vijay Zol's quick dismissal did not bother the Men in Blue, as Baba Aparajith (33) and then Smit Patel (62*) supported their skipper well. India chased down the target of 226 in 47.4 overs, losing only 4 scalps. 

"I do not know what is happening right now. Thankful to God, I have taken the team through. The Aussies played really well, but we came out on top. Townsville has been amazing for us," Chand said after the match. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming India Under-19 tour of Australia, which will take place from September 21 to October 10. The young Indian colts will be in action against their counterparts from Australia in 3 Youth ODIs and 2 four-day matches. The players to watch in this series are the exciting young players who starred in the Under-19 tournament played recently in England.

Ayush Mhatre, who led the side during the England tour, will continue as captain, with Vihaan Malhotra named vice-captain. India won the Youth ODI series in England 3-2 and drew both Tests, showcasing the team’s depth across formats. Mhatre, who scored two centuries and a fifty in the Test leg, was the leading run-getter across both sides. His deputy, Malhotra, also displayed stellar form, scoring 243 runs in ODIs and 277 in Tests.

The squad also features 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed a 64-ball century in England, the fastest in Youth ODI history. Other consistent performers like Naman Pushpak, Henil Patel, and Kanishk Chouhan have retained their places. The Indian team will begin their Australian sojourn with a trio of one-dayers at Norths before heading into the multi-day matches in Norths and Mackay.

India U19 Tour of Australia – Match Schedule

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India U19 Squad:

Ayush Mhatre (C), Vihaan Malhotra (VC), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Rahul Kumar, Abhigyan Kundu (WK), Harvansh Singh (WK), R S Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Naman Pushpak, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar, Anmoljeet Singh, Khilan Patel, Udhav Mohan, Aman Chauhan.

Standbys: Yudhajit Guha, Laxman, B.K. Kishore, Alankrith Rapole, Arnav Bugga.

With a strong core and momentum on their side, India U19 will be keen to dominate Down Under and build towards next year’s U19 World Cup.

In the tricky fourth innings chase of 355 runs in the second or last Youth Test against the hosts England U19, India U19 captain Ayush Mhatre slammed a furious 64-ball century to make the last battle of the Youth Test series memorable.

England U19 set the 355-run fourth innings target for India U19 in the second Youth Test after scoring 324/5 declare in their second innings, while the two-match Youth Test stands at 0-0.  

Captain Ayush Mhatre set two century partnerships

While India U19 got only about 65 overs to chase the 355 runs fourth innings target, star opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi was dismissed for a golden duck. However, the skipper Ayush Mhatre and the no.3 batter Vihaan Malhotra controlled the situation really well. They had a quick-fire 100-run partnership for the second wicket in just 84 balls. While the first innings centurion Malhotra scored 27 runs, skipper Mhatre continued his brilliant innings along with the wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu, as they set up a 117-run partnership in just 77 balls. 

See Also: In-form Vihaan Malhotra slams furious century to control ENG U19 vs IND U19 Youth Test

Mhatre scored his second century in this Youth Test series in the fourth innings of the last game as he completed his century in just 64 balls. Before his dismissal, the opener and captain scored 126 runs off just 80 balls with the help of 13 fours and six sixes. 

Ayush Mhatre is in great form

During India U19's first innings of the second Youth Test, Mhatre closely missed his deserving century, as the 18-year-old right-handed batter scored 80 off 90 balls with 13 fours and one six and had a 133-run partnership with Vihaan Malhotra for the second wicket. In the first Youth Test of the series, India U19 skipper Ayush Mhatre scored 102 and 32 runs, respectively. In IPL 2025, Mhatre made his IPL debut for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as a replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, and scored 240 runs in seven matches, including the highest score of 94 runs.  

The 18-year-old India U19 top-order batter Vihaan Malhotra hit a strong century to provide control for the visitors in the second Youth Test match against the hosts England U19 in Chelmsford.

After England U19 were all out for 309 runs in the first innings of the Youth Test, the no.3 India U19 batter Vihaan Malhotra hit a 101-ball century on the third day of the second Youth Test. 

During India U19's first innings of the ongoing Youth Test, opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi lost his wicket early after scoring 20 off 14 balls. Then skipper Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra built up a solid second wicket partnership of 133 runs. Captain Mhatre scored 80 off 90 balls with 14 fours and one six before the opener was dismissed.

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Vihaan Malhotra scored century after two 60s

Since the second wicket partnership was broken, India U19 lost their wickets at regular intervals, but Malhotra continued his impressive batting performance. He completed a century in 101 balls and scored 120 off 123 balls with the help of 19 fours and four sixes. When the left-arm spinner dismissed Malhotra and completed his fifer in the innings, India U19 were suddenly fighting at 253/7. In the first innings of the match, Malhotra also took a wicket as an off-spinner (3.3-0-4-1).

During the first Youth Test of this series, Vihaan Malhotra scored two 60s (67 & 63 runs) and also picked up two wickets (1/17 & 1/32). That Youth Test at Beckenham ended in a thrilling draw, as India U19 were three wickets away and England U19 were 80 runs away from victory at the end of the match.

Ekansh Singh's century rescued England U19 in first innings

Coming back to the ongoing second and last Youth Test of the series, the no.7 batter Ekansh Singh's century (117) and a couple of other good supports helped England U19 (Thomas Rew 51 and James Minto 46) move out from their disastrous first half of the innings, 80/5. 

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has taken the cricketing world by storm with his sensational performances during India U-19’s 3-1 Youth ODI series win over England. The 14-year-old prodigy, who had already caught eyeballs through his explosive displays for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, amassed 355 runs at a stunning strike rate of 174. His series tally included 27 sixes and a scintillating century, further strengthening his status as a generational talent.

Daniel Peacock, a prominent cricket analyst and statistician for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), revealed how Vaibhav’s brilliance is making waves far beyond Indian shores. “The first time I watched him in the flesh, though, I do remember a real air of excitement at Northamptonshire for the second one-dayer—more photos, more press, the BBC had even come to see him play,” Peacock told the Times of India.

“I knew I was watching a serious star talent. He hit 86 from 31 in a 40-over game reduced due to weather, which included six fours and nine sixes. He got a standing ovation after pulling the pacer Sebastian Morgan to backward square leg. The PA announcer, when announcing his score after the dismissal, said: ‘I think we will be seeing a lot more of this boy play.’”

“A very special young boy playing cricket”

Peacock recalled how the young sensation lit up the New Road ground in Worcestershire with a commanding all-round show. “Then at New Road, home of Worcestershire, in a near-perfect all-round performance, he strutted comfortably to 143 off 78 balls. By the time he walked off after being caught in the deep to spin, I think everyone inside the venue had long realized they had just witnessed something really special.”

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He further added how Vaibhav has grown into a crowd-puller and a national name in England among cricket lovers. “People are starting to make noise about him here. Cricket fans already know who he is—even if they can't all pronounce his name. These games usually attract a few die-hards, but there's certainly been a little extra media attention (we've had the likes of BBC, The Athletic, Getty, etc.), and a lot of British-Indians have come to watch Vaibhav play in the flesh for the first time.”

“The people I've spoken to in the game—I think we all have the same feeling. We've watched and witnessed a young star in the making, something very special. I would go as far as to say he's probably the best 14-year-old in any sport that I've seen live. I think the sentiment in England is that we are watching a very special young boy playing cricket—and the expectancy is Tendulkar-Kohli-level, or even beyond,” Peacock concluded.

After the successful Youth ODI series against the hosts England U19, India U19 started the Youth Test series strongly, courtesy of a strong century by the captain Ayush Mhatre. 

While India U19 won the Youth ODI series by 3-2 in the ongoing England tour, the visitors are now busy in the two-match Youth Test series against the hosts, starting on Saturday (July 12). After India U19 captain Ayush Mhatre chose to bat first, the stunning youth opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi fell early by scoring only 14 runs after 13 balls with three fours. 

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India U19 captain Ayush Mhatre scored century

However, captain Ayush Mhatre, the other opener, took the responsibility to set up a strong base along with the no.3 batter Vihaan Malhotra. They had a 173-run partnership for the second wicket, where both batters impressed. The India U19 skipper batted superbly and slammed a 107-ball century. He scored 102 runs off 115 balls with 14 fours and two sixes before Archie Vaughan, the former English captain Michael Vaughan's son, dismissed him. 

At the stumps on the first day of the four-day match, India U19 scored 450/7. Vihaan Malhotra scored 67 runs, while the middle-order batters Abhigyan Kundu and Rahul Kumar scored 90 and 85 runs, respectively. 

Who is Ayush Mhatre?

The 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre has already made his IPL debut in the last season. Serving for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as a replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mhatre scored 240 runs in seven innings with an average of 34.28 and a strike rate of 188.97. Despite playing only half the matches of the season for his team, he finished as the third leading run-scorer for his team this season. Apart from scoring 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he also played crucial knocks of 32, 30, 43, and 34 against Mumbai Indians, SunRisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans, respectively, in the IPL 2025. 

Last December, Mhatre set a world record by becoming the youngest player to score 150+ runs in List A cricket history (17 years and 168 days). He has already played nine first-class matches and seven List A games, and he has hit two centuries in each format, apart from one more half-century. While his highest List A score is 181 runs, his batting average in this format is 65.42. 

England U19 ended the series on a high note with a commanding 7-wicket victory over India U19 in the final Youth ODI at New Road, Worcester. Chasing a modest target of 211, the hosts cruised to the win in just 31.1 overs, a clinical batting performance from Ben Mayes, Ben Dawkins, and skipper Thomas Rew. Despite losing the game, India has won the five-match series by a 3-2 margin.

India U19 Innings: 210/9 in 50 Overs

India’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets, but middle-order contributions brought some stability. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (33), Harvansh Pangalia (24), Kanishk Chouhan (24), and Rahul Kumar (21) all got starts but couldn’t convert them into big scores. The highlight was RS Ambrish’s fighting 66* off 81 balls, guiding India from 135/7 to 210 with a valuable 68-run stand with Yudhajit Guha (10). England U19 bowlers delivered a tight performance to keep India to 210/9. Ralphie Albert (2/24) and AM French (2/37) picked up key wickets, while Sebastian Morgan was economical with 1/15. Alex Green, Firbank, and Ekansh Singh also took one each to maintain pressure throughout the innings.

England U19 Innings: 211/3 in 31.1 Overs

In reply, England chased down the target in just 31.1 overs, a brilliant batting performance from their top and middle order. Ben Dawkins continued his red-hot form, scoring 66 off 53 balls with 9 boundaries and 3 sixes. Although India struck back briefly by removing Dawkins and Rocky Flintoff in quick succession, Ben Mayes (82* off 76) and captain Thomas Rew (49* off 37) took control of the chase with an unbeaten 90-run partnership. Their aggressive and composed partnership ensured England cruised to victory with 113 balls to spare. India U19 bowlers had a tough outing as England chased 211 with ease. Naman Pushpak took 2 wickets for 65 runs, while Deepesh Devendran claimed 1/34. Yudhajit Guha bowled economically, but the rest of the attack failed to make breakthroughs as England won by 7 wickets.

ENG U19 vs IND U19, 5th ODI: Key Performances

• RS Ambrish – Anchored India’s innings with an unbeaten 66 under pressure.
• Ben Dawkins – Blistering 66 (53), third fifty in a row—gave England the ideal start.
  
• Ben Mayes – Unbeaten 82, held the innings together with a classy finish.
  
• Thomas Rew – Captain’s knock of 49*—finished the chase in style.
  
• AM French & Ralphie Albert – Picked up 2 wickets each to restrict India to under 220.

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ENG U19 vs IND U19, 5th Youth ODI: Match Scorecard

India U19 Innings – 210/9 (50 Overs)

England U19 Innings – 211/3 (31.1 Overs)

India U19 produced a dominant performance with the bat to secure a 55-run victory over England U19 in the fourth Youth ODI at Worcester, sealing the win in five-match series 3–1 lead with one game to spare. After being put in to bat, India piled up a mammoth 363/9 in their 50 overs, with sensational centuries by Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Vihan Malhotra. England, despite a valiant hundred from Rocky Flintoff, were bowled out for 308 in 45.3 overs.

India U19 Innings: 363/9 in 50 Overs

Openers Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi gave India a steady start, but it was Suryavanshi’s explosive knock of 143 off 78 balls that lit up the innings. Suryavanshi smashed 13 fours and 10 sixes at a strike rate of 183.33. Vihan Malhotra played the anchor perfectly with a composed 129 from 121 balls, with 15 fours and 3 sixes. The two combined for a mammoth partnership of 218 runs for the second wicket. Though India lost a few quick wickets in the middle, contributions from Abhigyan Kundu (23) and Yudhajit Guha (15*) ensured they crossed the 360-run mark. England’s Jack Home (3/63) and Sebastian Morgan (3/54) picked up key wickets but couldn’t prevent the onslaught.

England U19 Innings: 308/10 in 45.3 Overs

Chasing a 308 target, England’s top order faltered early, slipping to 104/2 despite Joe Moores’ (52) and Ben Dawkins’ (67) efforts. The innings was revived by a superb century from Rocky Flintoff, who struck 107 off 91 balls with 7 fours and 4 sixes. But the absence of consistent support from the middle and lower orders made England lose steam. Indian bowlers kept chipping away—Ambrish R. S. (2/55) and Kanishk Chouhan (1/54) being strict, while Naman Pushpak (3/63) and picked two wickets at crucial moments. Run-outs further dented England's chase as they folded for 308 in the end, 55 runs short.

ENG U19 vs IND U19, 4th ODI: Key Performances

• Vaibhav Suryavanshi blasted an incredible 143 to lead India's charge, registering his second major match-winning knock in a row. 
  
• Vihan Malhotra's 129 was a calm and well-timed innings that perfectly supported Suryavanshi in a record partnership.
  
• England's Flintoff displayed remarkable maturity with a 107 run-filled innings, keeping his team in the race. 
  
• Despite a tough pitch, Indian bowlers held their nerve to break partnerships and stifle England’s chase.
• With this clinical victory, India U19 has an unassailable 3–1 lead in the five-match Youth ODI series.

See Also: From IPL heroics to U-19 domination: Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashes 52-ball century against England

ENG U19 vs IND U19, 4th Youth ODI: Match Scorecard

India U19 Innings – 363/9 (50.0 Overs)

England U19 Innings – 308/10 (45.3 Overs)

The 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has continued his firing form for India U19 in the ongoing England tour, as in a tough chase, the young opener provided a stormy start for the visitors. 

After scoring a 19-ball 48 runs and a 34-ball 45 runs in the first two Youth ODIs of the five-match series against the hosts England U19, the expectation is high for Vaibhav Suryavanshi. At the 1-1 level position, the third game of the series started in delay due to rain, and the match became a 40-over affair.  

Vaibhav Suryavanshi slammed 2nd fastest YODI half-century for India U19

After England U19 scored 268/6 in 40 overs, Vaibhav Suryavanshi provided a stormy start, as India U19 reached 100 runs in eight overs. Suryavanshi completed his half-century in just 20 balls, as it was the second fastest half-century by an Indian in the U19 ODI or Youth ODI history. The record is an 18-ball fifty by Rishabh Pant against Nepal in 2016. 

Vaibhav Suryavanshi slammed 9 sixes

Suryavanshi continued his powerful batting even after completing his fifty as he scored 86 off just 31 balls with the help of six fours and nine sixes. In the sixth over of the innings, he smashed three sixes in four deliveries. The left-handed batter also smashed two consecutive sixes in two more previous overs. With his nine sixes, Suryavanshi set a new record for most sixes by an Indian U19 batter in the Youth ODIs, while the previous record was eight sixes by Mandeep Singh and Raj Bawa. When Suryavanshi was dismissed, India U19 were 111/2 in just eight overs, as the required run-rate was less than five. 

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- 48(19) in 1st match.
- 45(34) in 2nd match.
- 86(31) in 3rd match.

THIS IS MADNESS FROM VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI - He needs to play for India A side soon, Remarkable consistency in U-19 level in England 🥶 pic.twitter.com/xb6eJsj4mJ

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 2, 2025

Vaibhav Suryavanshi's performances are extraordinary! With 48 off 19 balls in the first match, 45 off 34 in the second, and 86 off 31 in the third, he’s showing incredible consistency at the U-19 level in England. He’s ready to step up to the India A side soon! 🥶

— Harishwar Pratap singh (@Pratap4916) July 2, 2025

Vaibhav Suryavanshi's Explosive Knock Lights Up the Game

-86 runs off just 32 balls
-6 fours & 9 sixes 🤯🔥
-SR: 277

Vaibhav is playing T20 in One day. pic.twitter.com/Ve8whTxFFM

— Varun Giri (@Varungiri0) July 2, 2025

The last time I followed u19 so closely was when sanju use to play, now it's vaibhav
I can watch him everyday#VaibhavSuryavanshi pic.twitter.com/ESyq9JUkV4

— Duggal Sahab (@Duggal_Sahaab) July 2, 2025

Fastest fifty by an Indian in Youth ODIs

18b - Rishabh Pant vs 🇳🇵, 2016
20b- Vaibhav Suryavanshi vs 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, 2025* pic.twitter.com/ucxliQMioG

— All Cricket Records (@Cric_records45) July 2, 2025

Vaibhav Suryavanshi will break 💔 all records in T20 and Odi cricket once he gets a chance to play in . https://t.co/nBWKcBbwKD

— @nostradamusofcricket (@LegacyMauryan) July 2, 2025

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has just been dismissed for 86 in just 31 balls (9 sixes, six fours, SR 277.41) for India U19 against England U19 at Northampton in the 3rd Youth ODI game as India reach 116/2 in 8 overs, chasing Eng U19's 268/6.

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) July 2, 2025

Vaibhav Suryavanshi is on fire—fearless, explosive, and brilliantly consistent in England

— Dr. Guman Singh Gurjar (@DrGumanSingh) July 2, 2025