Who is Vihaan Malhotra? Meet the India U-19 batter emerging as a dependable contributor across key situations.
From watching Virat Kohli’s videos on loop during free time to smashing a century in the U-19 World Cup 2026, just like his idol did in 2008, Vihaan Malhotra’s journey feels scripted for inspiration.
Interestingly, the stylish left-hander will soon share the RCB dressing room with Kohli after the franchise acquired him for INR 30 lakh in the IPL mini-auction. This 19-year-old Patiala lad, now vice-captain of India’s U-19 squad, blends batting flair, off-spin guile, and fielding sharpness into a rare all-round package that’s turning heads in the ongoing tournament.
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Roots in Patiala chaos
Vihaan’s cricket obsession began amid domestic destruction in Patiala, Punjab, where he shattered fans, tube lights, and mirrors in his mother Dr. Poonam’s clinic during backyard nets. Born on January 1, 2007, to father Manoj, a Superintending Engineer in Punjab’s Water Supply Department, the family channelled his energy into the Black Elephant Cricket Club first, and then Cricket Hub Patiala in 2019 under coach Kamal Sandhu.
Sandhu overhauled his technique: fixing front-foot drift, steadying his head for vertical drives, and tweaking bottom-hand grip for cuts and pulls. Idolising Kohli, whom he watched live in IPL games at Mohali, Vihaan pursued BBA at Chitkara University while stacking domestic runs.
Domestic credentials and rise
Vihaan’s breakthrough came swiftly. Debuting for Punjab U-16 at 14 years of age, he helped the side reach the All-India finals with vital runs and off-spin wickets, earning national selectors’ attention. In the 2022-23 Vijay Merchant Trophy (U-16), he dominated with 978 runs in 15 innings at an average of 81.50, including three centuries and a fifty; his pinnacle was an unbeaten 230 off 415 balls against Mumbai in the semi-final, all via ground shots that impressed the opposition coach.
Last year, on India U-19’s England tour, he aggregated 277 runs at 69.75 across two Youth Tests (including 120 at Chelmsford) and 243 runs in five Youth ODIs (with a 129). A handy right-arm off-spinner, he bowls tight lines, adding depth to his all-round value. These feats earned him vice-captaincy for the U-19 World Cup ahead of the South Africa series, signaling trust in his leadership amid captain Ayush Mhatre’s injury recovery.
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Clutch spin vs Bangladesh
In Group B’s rain-hit thriller at Bulawayo, India scraped 238/10 in 49 overs via Abhigyan Kundu’s 95 and lower-order fightback. Bangladesh loomed large under DLS, but Vihaan ignited collapse with 4/14: trapping Kalam Siddiki (15), Sheikh Parvez (7), Rizan Hossan (15) and Samiun Basir (2). Vihaan earned the Player of the Match award in the thrilling win over Bangladesh.
Ton that broke Zimbabwe
India clinched a dominant 204-run victory over Zimbabwe in the Super 6 clash in Bulawayo on Tuesday. India initially slumped to 101/3 before Vihaan’s unbeaten 109 (107 balls, 7×4) rescued them. He batted through for 352/8 with Kundu and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi slamming fifties. Zimbabwe imploded for 148, a 204-run rout despite brief resistance.
Vihaan started off cautiously and was just waiting for his opportunity to score boundaries. He got to his fifty off 57 balls with a four and slowly started to change gears. He lost Kundu and Kanishk Chouhan in quick succession, but kept his head down to play a wonderful innings.
Rare all-rounder with bright future
Vihaan is that rare top-five batter who rolls his arm as an astute off-spinner, akin to why Riyan Parag is prized: wins with bat one day, ball the next. The win against Bangladesh showcased his bowling; and the Zimbabwe game, batting depth. At 19, his technique suits all formats, honed for bounce via targeted nets.
India eye such dual-role gems for white-ball flexibility and Test depth. If he sustains this level of performance and perhaps lifts the U-19 trophy like his idol Kohli, the doors to senior cricket will beckon. His journey, from Patiala wreckage to the World Cup, marks his potential: a solid contributor who is evolving into a match-winner.
