New Delhi: Vihaan Malhotra’s name has become familiar to every cricket fan after his standout performances for India in the ongoing U-19 World Cup 2026 in Zimbabwe. The 19-year-old vice-captain has emerged as a match-winner for the team, fulfilling a dream he expressed as a nine-year-old: “I want to be like Virat Kohli and play alongside him.”
From Childhood Dream to U-19 Star
Patiala Cricket Hub Academy coach Kamal Sandhu recalls the day when young Vihaan first shared his ambition. “He came to me and said he wanted to be like Virat Kohli. At that time, nobody knew that this dream would take him to great heights in cricket,” says Sandhu. Fast forward a decade, Vihaan has not only achieved this dream but will also share the dressing room with Kohli in IPL 2026, having been bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for ₹30 lakh at the auction.
India’s Only Centurion in the U-19 World Cup
Vihaan has been India’s only centurion in the U-19 World Cup 2026 so far. In the team’s first Super Six match against Zimbabwe, he remained unbeaten on 109, helping India post a massive 352/8. India then bowled Zimbabwe out for 148 in 37.4 overs, winning comfortably. Vihaan’s next challenge comes against Pakistan, where he aims to emulate Kohli’s aggressive approach against top bowlers.
A Multi-Dimensional Player
Known for his “I can do anything” mindset, Vihaan is versatile across all batting positions. He also bowls spin and is an excellent fielder. In Zimbabwe, he had already impressed with two spectacular catches and four wickets before scoring his century. Coach Kamal Sandhu praises his dedication: “He practices 4–5 hours of batting daily, followed by 7–8 overs of bowling in the nets and fielding drills. He also studies Kohli’s videos to improve his game.”
Ravneet Ricky’s Take: Team’s Go-To Player
Vihaan has been coached by Ravneet Ricky since 2022, a member of India’s victorious 2000 U-19 World Cup team. Ricky calls Vihaan the team’s “go-to player in crises”: “He came to me as an opener but made himself ready to play in any position. No matter where you send him, he delivers. He has performed in youth Tests and ODIs consistently, including centuries and big scores.”
From a Doctor-Engineer Household to Cricketing Stardom
Vihaan hails from a family of doctors and engineers; his father, Manoj Malhotra, is an engineer, and his mother, Poonam Malhotra, is a doctor. Like many Indian families, they initially wanted him to pursue a professional career. “We took him to coach Kamal Sandhu just to keep him engaged in his hobby, away from mobile phones,” says his mother. But Vihaan’s dedication soon turned cricket from a pastime into his career.
Coach Sandhu adds, “By the age of 15, his mental strength was remarkable. He dedicated most of his day to cricket, practicing alone from 11 AM to 9–10 PM. We have many plans to prepare him for the IPL, and he’s ready to take it to the next level.”
Vihaan Malhotra’s journey reflects talent, discipline, and determination—a young cricketer chasing his dream to not just play alongside Virat Kohli but also carve out his own legacy.