MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to conduct a detailed review of the India Under-19 team’s performance following a humiliating loss to Pakistan in the final of the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup, according to a report by Cricbuzz on Monday.
India’s defeat was comprehensive and raised serious concerns within the Indian cricket establishment. Pakistan delivered a dominant all-round performance, successfully defending a massive total of 348 runs and dismissing India for just 156 in 26.2 overs. The result handed Pakistan a resounding 191-run victory and the Asia Cup title, marking one of the heaviest defeats suffered by India at the U19 level in a major final.
The turning point of the match was Pakistan batter Sameer Minhas’ extraordinary innings. Minhas produced a breathtaking knock of 172 runs from 113 balls, showcasing immense power and composure. His innings included 17 boundaries and nine towering sixes, completely dismantling the Indian bowling attack and setting the tone for Pakistan’s dominance.
Pakistan’s bowlers then capitalized on the scoreboard pressure. Ali Raza led the attack with an impressive four-wicket haul, while Huzaifa Ahsan, Abdul Subhan, and Mohammad Sayyam provided excellent support by claiming two wickets each. India’s batting lineup failed to build partnerships, collapsing rapidly under disciplined bowling and aggressive fielding.
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In response to the disappointing performance, the BCCI is reportedly planning discussions with the India U19 team management. The decision was taken during an online Apex Council meeting held on Monday evening, where senior board members reviewed the team’s overall showing in the tournament.
According to the report, the board believes that explanations are necessary to understand the shortcomings exposed during the final. As part of this process, the BCCI is expected to hold talks with head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar and team captain Ayush Mhatre, a move that highlights the seriousness with which the board is treating the defeat.
What makes the situation more critical is the proximity of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, scheduled to begin next month. The BCCI is keen to identify tactical, technical, and mental gaps at an early stage to ensure the team is better prepared for the global event.
The 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup will be held from 15 January to 6 February, featuring 16 teams divided into four groups. The tournament will follow the traditional format, including a Super Six stage before the semi-finals and final, with a total of 41 matches to be played.
With expectations always high from India’s junior teams, the upcoming review is seen as a corrective step rather than a punitive one, aimed at ensuring the squad enters the World Cup with clarity, confidence, and renewed focus.
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