Under-19 Asia Cup: Aryaveer Sehwag and Anvay Dravid in India squad, Lakshya Raichandani captain

India have announced a 15-member squad for the Under-19 Asia Cup, with Aryaveer Sehwag and Anvay Dravid earning places. Lakshya Raichandani will captain the side, while Yashwardhan Chauhan has been named vice-captain. The tournament will be played in Muscat, Oman, from November 4 to 14. India are in Group A with Nepal, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. Group B includes Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. The top two teams from each group will reach the semi-finals. The selection has drawn attention because Aryaveer and Anvay are sons of Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid respectively. However, their inclusion is not merely about famous surnames. Recent performances at youth level, their roles in the latest series and the need for team balance have shaped the squad. For both players, this tournament is a chance to build an identity of their own. It will also be interesting to see how they handle the extra scrutiny that comes with their family names. The format is clear. India are in Group A with Nepal, Pakistan and the UAE. Group B has Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. The top two from each group advance to the semi-finals. That means even one defeat in the group stage could complicate India's path. A match against Pakistan always carries additional pressure, while Nepal and the UAE can hurt any team if taken lightly. India enter the tournament in good form. They whitewashed Australia 2-0 in the four-day series in September-October and followed it with a 3-0 win in the one-day series. Earlier, India won the two-match four-day series against Sri Lanka 1-0 but lost the one-day series 2-1. So the team has both confidence from victories and lessons from defeat. Captain Lakshya Raichandani made an important contribution with the bat in the four-day series against Australia. He scored 250 runs in three innings, including a superb 240 in the first match. That performance matters even more because he is the captain and gives the top order stability. In the Asia Cup, Raichandani will not only need to score runs but also keep a young group together. Vice-captain Yashwardhan Chauhan was India's leading run-scorer in the one-day series against Australia. He made 176 runs in two innings and hit a century in the second match. The numbers show that he can play both the role of a middle-order accelerator and a batter capable of playing a long innings. As vice-captain, he will be expected to support the captain and stay calm under pressure. Aryaveer Sehwag scored 28, 47 and 34 in the one-day series against Australia. Those are not huge scores, but they point to consistency and the ability to build on starts. The key for him will be to play a big innings in the Asia Cup and strengthen his place. Because of his father's legacy, he will attract extra attention, but the team needs an innings that serves the side rather than only personal headlines. Anvay Dravid is the team's first-choice wicketkeeper. He scored 38 and 9 in two matches against Australia. Earlier, he made 87 off 67 balls in the last one-day match against Sri Lanka. His batting adds depth to the side. In the Asia Cup, he will be expected to keep cleanly and also contribute quick runs lower down the order when needed. The 15-member squad is: Lakshya Raichandani (captain), Aryaveer Sehwag, VK Vineet, Yashwardhan Chauhan (vice-captain), Kushagra Ojha, Arjun Rajput, Manal Chauhan, Anvay Dravid (wicketkeeper), Rajat Baghel (wicketkeeper), V. Yashveer, Aryan Savsani, Mohit Ulva, Kavya Patel, Shavin Vinod and Ishan Sud. The team has two wicketkeepers, which gives the management options during the tournament. The rest of the selection suggests a desire for balance between batting and bowling. The selection also sends a message that players performing in domestic and youth cricket are being rewarded. Aryaveer and Anvay are grabbing headlines, but the squad includes several players who have done well recently. The selectors had to build a combination based on team needs rather than simply pick big names. In a tournament like the Asia Cup, a mix of experience and youthful energy is important. India's start in Group A could set the tone for the campaign. Nepal and the UAE may look weaker on paper, but youth cricket is often unpredictable. The match against Pakistan will be emotionally charged as well. India will need to avoid early collapses and take responsibility in the middle order. If the top order falls cheaply, the lower order will be under pressure. Group B is not weak either. Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Malaysia and Sri Lanka can all pose different challenges. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are usually competitive at youth level, while Afghanistan can spring surprises through emerging talent. Malaysia should also not be taken lightly. India's real test will come in the knockout stage, where one bad day can end the campaign. Conditions in Muscat will also matter. Indian players will need to adapt to the heat, wind and local pitches. For young teams, adjusting quickly to foreign conditions is a major challenge. Practice time may be limited, so the team must be clear about its plans from the first match. Bowlers will need discipline and batters must avoid unnecessary risks. From a captaincy point of view, the Raichandani-Chauhan pairing is important. The captain has to make decisions on the field, while the vice-captain must support him. Bowling changes, field placements and the batting order will require clear thinking. In a young team, the captain's role is not limited to the toss and tactical calls; keeping teammates confident is equally important. In terms of preparation, India have experience in both four-day and one-day cricket. The longer format tested patience and technique, while the one-day games demanded quick scoring and bowling under pressure. The wins against Australia boosted confidence. The one-day series defeat to Sri Lanka also showed that consistency can take time. In batting, India have a solid base in Raichandani and Chauhan. Aryaveer will be expected to stabilize the start. Anvay can be a useful batter in addition to his wicketkeeping. The team needs middle-order partnerships that score quickly while protecting wickets. If the top order gives a good start, the lower order can help post a big total. Bowling discipline will be crucial. Young teams often concede extra deliveries and make mistakes while chasing wickets. Indian bowlers will need to build pressure early and avoid letting partnerships settle in the middle overs. Fielding will also be decisive because in low-scoring games one catch or run-out can change the result. The team must focus on small details in every department. Anvay is the first-choice wicketkeeper, with Rajat Baghel as back-up. Having two wicketkeepers gives the team flexibility if a batting balance needs to be adjusted. Anvay's 87 against Sri Lanka showed that he can bat under pressure. A wicketkeeper's good performance also gives confidence to the bowlers, especially the spinners. The biggest challenge will be handling external pressure and social media chatter around young players. Extra attention on Aryaveer and Anvay is natural, but the team management must keep them focused on cricket. The good news is that the side has confidence from recent series. If players focus on team goals rather than individual headlines, India can be a strong contender. All eyes are now on the campaign starting November 4. India's group includes Nepal, Pakistan and the UAE, while the team will also monitor Group B for the semi-final race. The aim is not just to play well but to win the title. The selection shows balance and recent form is on India's side. The team must now prove on the field how mature it is under pressure and whether it can seize the big opportunity.