The ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup has been a global platform to see the rising stars take their first steps at world stage. Like every edition of the tournament has brought some new names into the spotlight, the upcoming ICC U19 CWC 2026 is also set to bring some new talent upfront, paving the way for the future stars. As they mark for the highly-anticipated tournament, there are a few players who cannot be brushed aside due to their remarkable performances over the past few months.
Here in this article, we aim to list the top five players one must watch out for in the upcoming ICC U19 Cricket World Cup, which is set to be played from January 15 onwards in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Top 5 players to watch out for in ICC U19 Cricket World Cup
Oliver Peake (Australia)
As Australia enters the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup as the defending champions, Oliver Peake remains a key player in the side. After missing a place in the U19 CWC 2024-winning squad originally, Peake returns to the tournament as the captain of the side this time. While the Victoria batter has gained enormous experience over the years, playing all three formats, he also starred in Melbourne Renegades’ final-ball win against Perth Scorchers in BBL 2025-26.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (India)
The teenage prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, has been the most-talked-about player in the cricketing circles. Since getting roped in by Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to etching numerous feats, the Samastipur-born is definitely one to watch for as India eye the U19 CWC glory.
Apart from him, skipper Ayush Mhatre, batter Vedant Trivedi are also a few players in the Indian squad who cannot be just brushed aside after their performances recently.
Ali Raza (Pakistan)
Ali Raza is another player, who returns to the Under-19 CWC after last featuring in the 2024 edition. Raza, who is a right-arm medium fast bowler, put up a great performance with the ball, picking a four-wicket haul in Pakistan’s U-19 Asia Cup 2025 win. Apart from him, Sameer Minhas, who played a match-winning 172-run knock, and was crowned the Player of the Tournament, also cannot be missed.
Charlie Hara-Hinze (Japan)
Japan, who will be playing the Under-19 World Cup for the second time, will see their campaign heavily rely on their spin lineup. Spin bowling all-rounder Charlie Hara-Hinze, who is also part of their national setup, will be a key member. Hara-Hinze was named the Player of the Tournament during Japan’s run for the U19 CWC qualification and grabbed headlines after his 99 against Australia in Brisbane U19 match, where he also registered figures of 6/4.
Jorich Van Schalkwyk (South Africa)
Placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Tanzania and West Indies, South Africa boasts top-order batter Jorich Van Schalkwyk. The 19-year-old broke into record books, overhauling the 25-year-old record set by Jacques Rudolph, becoming the first double centurion in men’s Youth ODIs with his 215 against Zimbabwe in Harare. With experience in playing in Zimbabwean conditions, Van Schalkwyk would look to lead the Protean side to title glory.
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