Vihaan Malhotra is a 19‑year‑old Indian batting all‑rounder from Patiala, Punjab, who starred as vice‑captain in India’s victorious 2026 ICC U‑19 World Cup campaign. He is a left‑handed batter and right‑arm off‑break bowler, recently signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the IPL 2026 season.
Personal & Background
- Full Name: Vihaan Manoj Malhotra
- Born: 1 January 2007, Patiala, Punjab, India
- Age: 19 (as of July 2026)
- Batting Style: Left‑handed
- Bowling Style: Right‑arm off‑break
- Role: Batting all‑rounder
- Domestic Teams: Punjab U‑16, U‑19; Trident Stallions (Sher‑E‑Punjab T20 Cup)
- Franchise Team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (IPL 2026, ₹30 lakh)
Career Highlights
- ACC U‑19 Asia Cup 2025: Vice‑captain, scored 61* in semi‑final vs Sri Lanka.
- ICC U‑19 World Cup 2026: Vice‑captain, scored 240 runs and took 5 wickets in 7 matches.
- Century vs Zimbabwe: 109* in Super Six stage — first Indian centurion of the tournament.
- Match‑winning spell vs Bangladesh: 4/14, pivotal in India’s 18‑run victory.
- England Youth Tour 2025: Leading run‑scorer with 520 runs, including a Youth Test century (120).
- Domestic Roots: Consistent performer for Punjab Cricket Association age‑group sides.
Vihaan Malhotra Statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | Wickets | Bowl Avg | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth ODIs | 22 | 371 | 28.54 | 29 | 27.10 | 3/20 |
| Youth Tests | 2 | 155 | 51.6 | 2 | 40.0 | 1/25 |
| U‑19 World Cup 2026 | 7 | 240 | 48.0 | 5 | 29.0 | 109* / 4/14 |
Style & Strengths
- Batting: Elegant left‑hander, strong against spin, capable of anchoring or accelerating.
- Bowling: Off‑breaks with control, effective in middle overs.
- Temperament: Thrives in high‑pressure matches, especially against rivals like Pakistan.
- Leadership: Vice‑captaincy roles underline maturity and tactical awareness.
Legacy & Outlook
Vihaan Malhotra’s rise from Punjab’s age‑group cricket to U‑19 World Cup glory and IPL selection reflects India’s deepening talent pipeline. His ability to deliver in crunch matches — with both bat and ball — marks him as a genuine all‑rounder. At 19, his next challenge is transitioning into senior domestic cricket and proving himself in the IPL alongside his idol, Virat Kohli. His journey embodies the hunger and resilience of India’s new generation of cricketers.
Conclusion
Vihaan Malhotra’s story is one of promise and leadership. From Patiala’s junior circuits to starring in India’s U‑19 World Cup triumph, he has shown the qualities of a modern batting all‑rounder. His fearless century against Zimbabwe and match‑winning spell against Bangladesh highlight his versatility, while his IPL debut with RCB sets the stage for the next chapter. His legacy will depend on consistency at the senior level, but his rise already inspires young cricketers across India.
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