The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled a 15‑member India U‑19 squad for the upcoming home series against Australia, featuring Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid – sons of former stalwarts Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid. Despite a solid domestic record, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was omitted from the list.
BCCI officials clarified that the omission was not a matter of form but of eligibility: the board’s rule requires all U‑19 players to be under 19 years of age as of September 1 of the preceding year. Sooryavanshi, born on August 15, 2007, turned 19 after the cutoff date, rendering him ineligible for this cycle.
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Sooryavanshi’s camp expressed disappointment, arguing that the rule’s strict application overlooks his recent performances in the Vijay Merchant Trophy. Critics, however, noted that the board’s transparent criteria prevent accusations of nepotism, especially given the inclusion of several high‑profile cricketing heirs.
