Why Ayush Mhatre is Not Opening Today in IND U19 vs ZIM U19 Match?

The India Under-19 Cricket Team is up against the Zimbabwe Under-19 Cricket Team in the sixth match of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026. The game between the two teams is underway at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Tuesday, January 27.

India captain Ayush Mhatre didn’t have a great start to the match as he lost the toss and his side was asked to bat first. Having already qualified for the next round, the Boys in Blue would be looking to cover all their bases in this game and head into the next stage on a high.

However, there was a major shuffle in the batting order as skipper Mhatre didn't come out to open the batting with Vaibhav Suryavanshi, one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world. It created a curiosity among the fans about the captain's new batting spot.

Why Ayush Mhatre is Not Opening Today in IND U19 vs ZIM U19 Match?

Captain Ayush Mhatre, who has been opening the innings for India in the U19 World Cup 2026 didn’t come out to open along with Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Instead, it was Aaron George who walked out at the top.

The reason behind Mhatre not opening could be due to team combination. There could have been a temptation to try Aaron George at the top as he has been in red-hot form for the last few months.

Also, Ayush being in the middle strengthens the batting order, which has looked a bit fragile in the tournament. Mhatre struggled as an opener in early part of the tournament, but found his form in the last game, slamming a brutal half-century against New Zealand.

However, the right-hander could not carry on his form and was dismissed for just 21 runs in the ZIM U19 vs IND U19 match. Hence, Ayush Mhatre batting position change did not work for him.

Aaron George Gets Out Cheaply

The move to send Aaron George didn’t prove that fruitful as the batter got out early after playing few eye-catching shots. The right-hander managed just 23 runs off 12 balls, hammering two fours and one six in his innings. Thanks to his heroics, India had an opening stand of 44 runs.

On the other hand, Ayush Mhatre, as mentioned in team sheet, walked out to bat at No. 3. The Indian skipper, touted to become one of the best batsmen in India in the upcoming years, has the talent and skills but hasn't been able to convert them into big ones this tournament. He would be hoping to making a strong impact in this game and head into the next stage with big knock under his belt.

IND vs ZIM Under-19 World Cup 2026 Playing 11

Team India did extremely well in the league stage under the leadership of Ayush Mhatre and won all their matches. On the other hand, Zimbabwe qualified despite not winning any match in the league stage. Here are the playing 11 of both teams in this match:

India U19 Playing 11 Against Zimbabwe U19

Aaron George, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Vedant Trivedi, Kanishk Chouhan, RS Ambrish, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Udhav Mohan

Zimbabwe U19 Playing 11 Against India U19

Nathaniel Hlabangana (wk), Dhruv Patel, Kian Blignaut, Webster Madhidhi, Takudzwa Makoni, Leeroy Chiwaula, Simbarashe Mudzengerere (c), Brandon Senzere, Michael Blignaut, Tatenda Chimugoro, Panashe Mazai