India’s next generation of indoor cricket talent is ready for a major international test. The World Indoor Cricket Federation’s Junior World Series 2026 will be held from 26 September to 3 October 2026 at the U-Pro Atterbury Action Sports Arena in Pretoria, South Africa. Teams from Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates will compete in the prestigious 7-nation tournament.
12 players carry India’s hopes
The Indian IISF has announced a 12-member U-17 boys’ squad for the championship. Rishi Nandan Reddy (Captain), Jash Ashish Karia (Vice-Captain), Athithiya Balaji, Aditya D. Bhavthankar, Ashith Kumar N. Gowda, Diganth Hari Harish, Keerthi Vardhan Reddy, Manish Reddy Nadeem, Mokshith P. Kumar, Nirman Roy, Harshit Sutar and Praveen D. Velingiri will represent India in South Africa.
Leadership and support team
The young squad will be guided by Coach Sreekanth D. K., Manager Sahar Zafarulla and Physiotherapist Dr Ankitsagar. Their role will be crucial as the players prepare for the speed, pressure and tactical demands of international indoor cricket.
A squad selected for balance
IISF Chairman Ajay Naik, President Cetric Jo, Secretary Prasanna Kumar, Joint Secretary Dhananjeyan Jayavel, Treasurer Sunil Murthy and former Secretary Milind Punja said the squad has been selected with a balanced combination of players in mind. The selection reflects the effort to build a stronger pathway for young Indian indoor cricketers to compete at the international level.
Aditya Bhavthankar gives Maharashtra a reason to cheer
Maharashtra will have a representative in the Indian squad with Aditya D. Bhavthankar from Beed earning his place in the U-17 team. His selection follows the junior state championship and selection trials conducted in Maharashtra, providing him with an important opportunity to move from the domestic stage to an international competition.
A major test against 7 nations
The Junior World Series will bring together young players from 7 countries, giving India’s U-17 squad an opportunity to test its skills against different styles and playing conditions. For these young cricketers, Pretoria will not simply be another tournament venue it will be a significant step in their international sporting journey.
Vedak and Toraskar extend their best wishes
Following the announcement, MahaIndoor Cricket Association Founder Chairman Kshitij Vedak and Founder Secretary Balasaheb Toraskar congratulated the Indian players, coaching staff and management team. They expressed their best wishes to the squad for the Junior World Series and said the international exposure in Pretoria would be an important opportunity for India’s young indoor cricket talent.