Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan Emerges as India U19’s Standout Star Against Australia

Yashbardhan Chauhan Takes Centre Stage

India’s Under-19 series against Australia has brought several young names into focus, including Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid. However, the player producing the most consistent impact so far has been 17-year-old all-rounder Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan.

Chauhan has combined aggressive batting with off-spin and has already made a major contribution in both Youth ODIs. His performances have made him one of the players to watch as India’s young side continues its home series against Australia.

From 54 and Two Wickets to an Unbeaten 122

Chauhan made an immediate impact in the opening Youth ODI at Rajkot. With the match reduced to 20 overs because of rain, he scored 54 from 34 deliveries and then returned with the ball to claim two wickets for 28 runs. India posted 182/6 and eventually defeated Australia U19 by seven runs.

The all-round performance earned Chauhan the Player of the Match award and gave India an early 1-0 advantage in the three-match Youth ODI series.

He then produced an even bigger batting performance in the second ODI on September 21. Batting through the innings, Chauhan remained unbeaten on 122 from 99 balls, striking 15 fours and two sixes. His century came from 89 deliveries and helped India build a commanding total.

India’s Second ODI Batting Display

India elected to bat first at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. After losing captain Lakshya Raichandani early, Aaryavir Sehwag and V.K. Vineet rebuilt the innings.

Sehwag scored a fluent 47 from 48 balls, including nine boundaries, before being run out. Vineet then continued the momentum with an important 87 from 92 balls.

Chauhan took control of the innings after Vineet’s dismissal and accelerated strongly during the latter stages. His unbeaten century, combined with Kushagra Ojha’s quick 34 from 20 balls, pushed India to 329/4 in 48.1 overs when rain interrupted the contest.

Sehwag and Dravid Also Under the Spotlight

Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid entered the Australia series with considerable attention because of their famous cricketing family backgrounds. Sehwag, son of former India opener Virender Sehwag, made his India U19 debut in the first Youth ODI.

Anvay Dravid, son of former India captain and coach Rahul Dravid, had already impressed during India’s earlier tour of Sri Lanka. In the first Australia Youth ODI, he scored a rapid 38 from just 18 balls, including three sixes and two fours.

In the second ODI, however, Chauhan's unbeaten 122 was the defining individual performance. Sehwag contributed 47, while Dravid remained unbeaten on two from three deliveries when the rain interruption stopped India's innings.

A Cricketing Journey That Started Young

Chauhan’s rise has been built over several years of age-group cricket. He began playing cricket in Gwalior after picking up a bat at the age of six, with his father recognising his natural batting grip and encouraging him to join an academy.

His early numbers were remarkable. During Madhya Pradesh’s A.W. Kanmadikar Trophy at the Under-13 level, Chauhan produced scores of 425, 235 and 391 in successive innings, establishing himself as one of the prominent young batters in the state.

He subsequently represented Madhya Pradesh at Under-14, Under-16 and Under-19 levels and progressed into the India age-group setup.

Leadership Experience at 17

Chauhan has also developed leadership experience at a relatively young age. He captained India U19 during the 2026 tour of Sri Lanka and was selected as captain for the subsequent multi-day fixtures against Australia.

For the Australia Youth ODIs, Lakshya Raichandani was appointed captain and Chauhan was named vice-captain. Their leadership roles will switch for the two multi-day matches later in the tour.

More Than Just a Batter

One of Chauhan’s biggest strengths is his ability to contribute in both departments. ICC lists him as a right-handed batter who bowls off-break, while his performances against Australia have demonstrated the value of that combination.

His two wickets in the opening ODI showed that he can influence a match even when his batting contribution is not enough on its own. With a century now added to his series record, his all-round profile gives India another flexible option in the middle order.

A Player to Watch for India’s Next Generation

India have already produced a number of exciting Under-19 talents in recent years, and Chauhan is building his own path through the age-group system. His ability to score heavily, accelerate when required and contribute with off-spin has made him an important member of the current squad.

With one Youth ODI still remaining in the series and two multi-day matches to follow, Chauhan has further opportunities to strengthen his reputation. His unbeaten 122 against Australia is another major step in a young career that has already included significant domestic and international age-group performances.