BCCI Withdraws Rohit Yadav From India U19 Squads After Age Discrepancies Emerge
Introduction
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has withdrawn Bengal leg-spinner Rohit Yadav from India's Under-19 squads for the upcoming series against Australia after discrepancies were identified in his age-related records.
The change affects both the One-Day and Multi-Day squads scheduled to face Australia U19 in Rajkot and Ahmedabad. The Junior Cricket Committee has brought in Saurashtra's Aryan Savsani for the One-Day side and Haryana's Tanmay Baloda for the Multi-Day squad.
The BCCI's latest announcement confirms Yadav's withdrawal because of age discrepancies. Reports that he has received a two-year ban, however, predate the squad announcement and were not mentioned in the board's latest release.
BCCI Confirms Rohit Yadav's Withdrawal
Yadav had originally been selected for both formats against Australia U19. Confirming the change, the BCCI said:
“Rohit, who was named in India’s U19 squads for the upcoming fixtures against Australia U19 at Rajkot and Ahmedabad, has been withdrawn from the squad due to age discrepancies.”
The board subsequently confirmed two separate replacements. Aryan Savsani, representing the Saurashtra Cricket Association, joins the One-Day squad, while Haryana Cricket Association's Tanmay Baloda has been selected for the Multi-Day matches.
Two-Year Ban Reported, but Not Mentioned in Latest BCCI Release
Separate reports have said that the BCCI imposed a two-year ban on Yadav over discrepancies in his age records and informed affiliated state associations about the disciplinary action. The BCCI's September 8 squad announcement, however, did not refer to that reported suspension and confirmed only his withdrawal on the grounds of age discrepancies.
That distinction is important: Yadav's removal from the Australia squads is officially confirmed by the board, while details surrounding the reported two-year sanction come from earlier reporting.
What the Reports Say About Rohit Yadav's Documents
According to reports on the scrutiny of Yadav's records, multiple documents contained conflicting information about his year of birth.
India Today reported that three birth certificates associated with Yadav carried the years 2007, 2009 and 2010. His Aadhaar history was also reported to contain changes: his year of birth was recorded as 2007 when he was registered with the Cricket Association of Bengal, while subsequent records reportedly reflected 2006 before another change to 2009.
These details come from media reporting on the verification process rather than the BCCI's latest squad announcement, which described the issue simply as “age discrepancies.”
Yadav Had Recently Played for India U19
The development interrupts what had been a significant period in Yadav's junior career.
The Bengal leg-spinner toured Sri Lanka with India's Under-19 team in July and took six wickets during the tour. He was part of the Indian side that won the final Youth Test before subsequently earning selection for the Australia U19 assignment.
His removal means he will no longer feature in either of the upcoming squads against Australia.
Aryan Savsani and Tanmay Baloda Get Their Opportunity
The selectors have chosen different replacements for the two formats rather than bringing in a single player across the entire assignment.
Aryan Savsani enters the One-Day squad, which will be captained by Lakshya Raichandani, with Yashbardhan Chauhan serving as vice-captain.
Tanmay Baloda joins the Multi-Day squad, where Yashbardhan Chauhan is captain and Lakshya Raichandani vice-captain.
The changes give both players an unexpected opportunity at India U19 level while allowing the selectors to move ahead with preparations for the Australia fixtures.
Case Comes Amid Wider Scrutiny in Bengal Cricket
Yadav's case has emerged against the backdrop of a broader examination of age and documentation records in Bengal cricket.
The Cricket Association of Bengal has identified 62 players as ineligible for registration or transfer for tournaments during the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons because of documentation and age-related discrepancies, according to reports. The list reportedly includes 2022 India U19 World Cup winner Ravi Kumar and left-arm spin all-rounder Vishal Bhatti.
The wider exercise shows why age verification remains a significant administrative issue in junior cricket. Eligibility in age-group competitions depends not only on performances on the field but also on reliable documentation that establishes whether a player falls within the permitted age bracket.
For India U19, the immediate consequence is straightforward: Yadav is out of the Australia series, and Savsani and Baloda have taken his places in the respective squads.
