The story began when a nine-year-old Vihaan stepped into Cricket Hub Academy in Patiala. With big eyes full of hope and admiration, he told his coach, “I want to be like Virat Kohli one day, and I want to play cricket with him.” Back then, even Vihaan hadn’t imagined that this dream would soon become reality.
Now, after impressive performances on the youth international stage, Vihaan’s dream materialized in IPL 2026. Bought by RCB for ₹30 lakh at the auction, he’s slated to share the dressing room and crease with Kohli himself. This isn’t just a contract; it’s a mentor-mentee story waiting to unfold on cricket’s biggest platforms.
Childhood Idol Becomes Teammate
Vihaan’s coach, Kamal Sandhu, reveals that the young batsman was deeply influenced by Kohli from the start. Watching Kohli’s videos repeatedly, he studied those elegant cover drives and perfected his own technique around them. Fitness, famously a cornerstone of Kohli’s success, was something Vihaan took seriously even as a teenager.
“Kya pata tha woh bolega yeh aur yeh ek din sach ho jaayega,” Kamal reflects with pride, marveling at how words spoken in the innocence of childhood shaped a professional career.
IPL 2026: The Big Stage for Growth
Another coach, former cricketer Ravneet Ricky, is optimistic about what Vihaan’s IPL stint will do for his game. Sharing time and space with Kohli is bound to bring a fresh perspective and sharpen his approach.
“A more refined Vihaan will come through,” Ricky said. “He’ll develop a stronger mindset and learn the nuances of pressure cricket. Virat and I have played together, so I understand how valuable this experience can be.”
Brutal Numbers Prove the Potential
2025 was a breakthrough year for Vihaan. In just two Youth Test matches, he piled up 277 runs, including a majestic 120-run knock. His consistency followed in five Youth ODIs where he smashed 243 runs, featuring a memorable century.
In the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, Vihaan is India’s lone centurion so far, underlining his class and temperament. But he’s not just a batsman — he’s also picking wickets and pulling off spectacular catches, proving his value as a genuine all-rounder.
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
| Vihaan Malhotra | 110* | 95 | 12 | 3 | 115.79 |
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Econ |
| Vihaan Malhotra | 12 | 1 | 45 | 4 | 3.75 |
What This Means for India’s Future
Vihaan’s rise is a perfect example of India’s thriving cricket ecosystem—from grassroots coaching to the glittering IPL. His mix of talent, work ethic, and idol-inspired grit offers a blueprint for young hopefuls nationwide.
As IPL beckons, all eyes will be on how Vihaan adapts to the big-league pressures. Will he hold his own among international stars? Can he turn that early promise into sustained excellence? One thing’s clear: Malhotra’s story has just begun.
Final Takeaway
Vihaan Malhotra embodies the dreams of countless Indian youngsters — passion sparked by legends, nurtured in local academies, and fueled by relentless hard work. His journey from a kid who adored Virat Kohli to a cricketer prepping to play alongside him at IPL 2026 highlights the magic cricket can create.
Keep a close watch on this emerging all-rounder. Vihaan is ready to evolve from a fan to a fearless star. If IPL 2026 is just the beginning, Indian cricket’s future is looking brighter than ever.
