Virat Kohli in 2008... Ayush Mhatre in 2026: India’s Under-19 captains have consistently risen to the occasion in World Cup finals. A look at how leadership, big-match temperament and match-winning performances have shaped India's U19 dominance over the years.
India Under-19 captain Ayush Mhatre played a calm and responsible knock of 53 runs off 51 balls against England in Harare. His vital 142-run partnership for the second wicket with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi set the platform for India to post a massive 411 runs. With this dominant performance, India have now secured their sixth Under-19 World Cup title. As the celebrations begin, it is a good time to look back at how India’s previous title-winning captains and players performed in Under-19 World Cup finals.
- 2000 under Mohammed Kaif.
— Raman (@bhatiaraman3) February 6, 2026
- 2008 under Virat Kohli.
- 2012 under Unmukt Chand.
- 2018 under Prithvi Shaw.
- 2022 under Yash Dhull.
- 2026 under Ayush Mhatre.
6 U19 WORLD CUP TROPHIES FOR INDIA. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/c6CavTTLsm
India’s first Under-19 World Cup triumph came in 2000 under the leadership of Mohammad Kaif in Colombo. In the final against hosts Sri Lanka, Kaif scored 18 runs during India’s successful chase of 178, playing his part in a historic maiden title win.
Met Bollywood's royal family that is so down to earth. Kareena, Saif and Taimur - always so graceful. Me and Saif did Lays chips TV ad many years back. Recalled those days, great memories. pic.twitter.com/fvzjoGMeKK
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 6, 2026
India lifted their second Under-19 World Cup under Virat Kohli’s captaincy in Malaysia. Facing South Africa in a rain-affected final in Kuala Lumpur, Kohli scored 19 runs as India managed 159. The bowlers then stepped up, restricting South Africa to 103/8 and sealing a 12-run victory.
T20 World Cup... But the aura won't be the same without its God!! ❣️ #T20WC2026 #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/Y2uzRgWPe5
— 𝐊!𝐍𝐆🚩 (@VkIdolo18) February 6, 2026
The third title came in Australia under the leadership of Unmukt Chand. In the final against the host nation, Unmukt produced a memorable performance, scoring a brilliant 111 runs to guide India to a successful chase of 225 at the Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville.
Mera beta. Met him after 50 days. Overjoyed ❤️🧿 pic.twitter.com/ZRUVKrS4gp
— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) January 11, 2026
India’s fourth Under-19 World Cup title was won in New Zealand under Prithvi Shaw. In the final against Australia, Shaw scored 29 runs while opening the innings, partnering Manjot Kalra, who went on to score a century and lead India to victory while chasing 217.
India won his 6th U19 World Cup at Harare.
— A🧣 (@bittwobit) February 6, 2026
All victorious caps:
2000-Mohammad Kaif
2008-Virat Kohli
2010-Unmukt Chand
2018-Prithvi Shaw
2022- Yash Dhull
2026- Ayush Mhatre
Main hero of the final was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 175(80). What a young Indian team#ICCMensU19WorldCup pic.twitter.com/gLcTwR5I0L
India claimed their fifth Under-19 World Cup title in the West Indies under the captaincy of Yash Dhull. In the final against England in Antigua, Dhull scored 17 runs as India successfully chased a target of 195, adding another trophy to their rich Under-19 World Cup legacy.
