The next generation of Indian women’s cricket stars is set to take centre stage after the BCCI Women’s Selection Committee announced the India Women’s U-19 squads for the upcoming Sri Lanka Women’s U-19 Tour of India. Maharashtra wicketkeeper-batter Bhavika Ahire has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading both the T20 and One-Day sides in what promises to be an important developmental series for young cricketers from both nations.
The tour will feature six matches, comprising three T20s and three One-Day games, providing a valuable platform for emerging players to showcase their talent and strengthen their credentials for future national honours.
Ahire’s appointment as captain underlines the faith selectors have placed in the young wicketkeeper, who has impressed consistently through age-group cricket and domestic competitions. Her leadership role comes at a significant time as India continues to build towards the next ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup cycle. The squads also feature several exciting young prospects who have made a mark in domestic cricket and junior tournaments.
Among them are Maharashtra all-rounder Ishwari Awasare and Janhavi Virkar, who have both earned selections following strong performances at the age-group level. The inclusion of players from multiple state associations highlights the growing depth of talent within India’s women’s cricket pathway.
India Women’s U-19 T20 Squad
Bhavika Ahire (C, WK), Ira Jadhav, Tanishka Sharma, Ishwari Awasare, Avni Chawda, Mahto Nidhi, Purva Siwach, Kumari Palak, Mahak Narwase (VC), Kashvi Kandikuppa, Maniar Maitri, Gouri Goyal, Janhavi Virkar, Anaadi Tagde, K Deeksha (WK)
India Women’s U-19 One-Day Squad
Bhavika Ahire (C, WK), Ira Jadhav, Deeya Yadav, Ishwari Awasare, V Pratiksha, Mahto Nidhi, Purva Siwach, Kumari Palak, Mahak Narwase (VC), Kashvi Kandikuppa, Vidhi Parmar, Gouri Goyal, Janhavi Virkar, Anaadi Tagde, K Deeksha (WK)
The series forms part of the BCCI’s continued efforts to provide competitive international exposure to young female cricketers. Since India won the inaugural ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2023 under the leadership of Shafali Verma, the focus on developing age-group talent has intensified. The success of players such as Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, Titas Sadhu, Gongadi Trisha and Shweta Sehrawat has demonstrated the importance of a strong youth development system in producing future senior internationals.
Several members of the current U-19 squad have already gained valuable experience in domestic tournaments, including the Women’s Under-19 One-Day Trophy and T20 competitions conducted by the BCCI. The Sri Lanka series presents an opportunity for these players to adapt to international cricket while developing the skills required for progression to India A and senior national teams.
The six-match tour will begin with the T20 leg in Chennai. The schedule includes the 1st T20 on June 22, the 2nd T20 on June 24, and the 3rd T20 on June 27, with all matches scheduled to start at 1:00 PM local time. Following the conclusion of the T20 series, the teams will travel to Puducherry for the One-Day matches. The 1st One-Day will be played on June 30 at 9:00 AM, the 2nd One-Day on July 3 at 9:00 AM, and the final One-Day match on July 6 at 2:00 PM.
For Sri Lanka, the tour offers another opportunity to test its emerging talent against one of the strongest age-group systems in world cricket. The rivalry between India and Sri Lanka at the junior level has grown steadily in recent years, producing competitive contests and valuable learning experiences for young players.
With leadership responsibilities now resting on Bhavika Ahire’s shoulders, attention will be firmly on how India’s young stars perform in home conditions. For many players in the squad, this series could serve as the first step towards fulfilling their dream of representing the senior Indian women’s team.
As the countdown to the series begins, the focus will be on preparation, development and performance, with both teams eager to make the most of a valuable international opportunity. For India, it is another chance to strengthen an already impressive pipeline of talent and identify the next generation of players capable of carrying the country’s women’s cricket legacy forward.
Fixtures:
June 22: 1st T20, Chennai (1:00 PM)
June 24: 2nd T20, Chennai (1:00 PM)
June 27: 3rd T20, Chennai (1:00 PM)
June 30: 1st One-Day, Puducherry (9:00 AM)
July 3: 2nd One-Day, Puducherry (9:00 AM)
July 6: 3rd One-Day, Puducherry (2:00 PM)
