W, W, W, W, W…Who is Henil Patel, the Indian U-19 star who rattled USA in the opener?
Who is Henil Patel: In a sensational start to India’s title defense, Henil Patel has announced himself on the global stage by claiming a five-wicket haul in the opening match of the 2026 ICC Men’s U19 World Cup against the USA.
His masterclass in swing and seam bowling at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo has effectively dismantled the American batting lineup, making him the first breakout star of the tournament.
#TeamIndia’s fast bowler, Henil Patel, bags the opening wicket! 👏#USA’s Amrinder Gill gets done by the bounce and edges it straight to the fielder. ☝️#ICCMensU19WC | #INDvUSA 👉 LIVE NOW ➡️ https://t.co/RdmIHbr8CB pic.twitter.com/bJZA39yBRh
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 15, 2026
Who is Henil Patel?
Born on February 27, 2007, in Valsad, Gujarat, Henil Dilipbhai Patel is a product of the same cricketing soil that produced legends like Jasprit Bumrah. A Right-arm medium-fast bowler, Henil’s journey began in the local clubs of Ahmedabad before he rose through the ranks of the Gujarat Under-19 and Under-23 teams.
His natural ability to extract bounce and move the ball late made him a standout in domestic cricket, leading to his call-up for the India A U19 side and eventually the main World Cup squad.
5-fer against USA
In today’s tournament opener, Henil was the chief architect of the USA’s collapse. After India won the toss and elected to bowl under overcast skies, Henil exploited the conditions to perfection.
He struck in his very first over, removing opener Amrinder Gill with a peach of an outswinger. He then dismissed USA skipper Utkarsh Srivastava for a duck, a blow from which the American side never recovered.
Henil completed his 5-wicket haul giving only 16 runs in the 35th over, dismissing Sabrish Prasad and Rishabh Shimpi in back-to-back deliveries. He finished with a stunning spell, helping bundle out the USA for just 107 runs.