Zol to lead in U-19 WC

India will defend their Under-19 World Cup title under the captainship of Vijay Zol who was named skipper of the 15-man squad here on Monday.

The Maharashtra left-hander had recently led India to junior Asia Cup victory in Sharjah while the ICC Under-19 World Cup is scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates in February.

The All-India Jr Selection Committee met here to select the Indian team for the event.The three-time champions, India have been clubbed with Pakistan, Scotland and Papua New Guinea in Group A. India will open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 15 in Dubai.

India won the event title in 2000, 2008 and 2012.

The squad: Vijay Zol (captain), Akhil Herwadkar, Ankush Bains, Ricky Bhui, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Deepak Hooda, Kuldeep Yadav, Amir Gani, Karan Kaila, C.V. Milind, Avesh Khan, Monu Kumar Singh and Atit Seth.