India U19 continued their winning run in the ICC U19 World Cup as they beat Bangladesh in a rain-marred encounter on Saturday (January 17).
After putting 238 runs with the bat, the Indian team managed to
restrict Bangladesh for 146 runs who had a revised target of 165 runs in 29 overs due to rain. Vihaan Malhotra played a crucial part for the Indian team with 4 wickets and then picked up a stellar catch for the final Bangladeshi wicket.
Who is Vihaan Malhotra?
Born on January 1, 2007, in Patiala, Punjab, Vihaan Malhotra has risen rapidly through age-group cricket and is a reliable all-rounder.
The 19-year-old developed his skills in local academies in Patiala, debuting for Punjab U-16 at age 14 and helping his team reach the All-India U-16 Championship finals. He progressed to India U-19 and India A U-19 teams, captaining or vice-captaining in youth tournaments, including a standout unbeaten 61 in the U-19 Asia Cup semi-final against Sri Lanka in December 2025. A Chitkara University student, he balances cricket with education while inspiring young players through workshops.
Malhotra excelled in the 2022-2023 U-19 season, averaging over 70 with the bat and taking key wickets. He featured for Trident Stallions in domestic T20s and earned national youth call-ups, contributing to India's U-19 World Cup campaign.
Vihaan Malhotra vs Bangladesh U19
Vihaan was the star of the show with a stellar spell of 4/14 as he crippled the Bangladesh run chase. Bangladesh U19 boys crumbled big time as they lost their last seven wickets for just 22 runs, and Vihaan was the main inflictor. He also capped of the display with a superb catch for the final wicket.
"It's like a nerve wrecker and we are in the winning side, which is good for us. We were ready to play and we knew we can win from any situation. I backed my bowling yorkers at the end and I have done it before as well. I back my skill and believe in God. We chose cricket to be in game like these," Vihaan said after his Player of the Match winning performance.
Vihaan will play for RCB in IPL 2026
Vihaan plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2026, acquired for ₹30 lakhs (₹3 crore) during the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. As a lower-order left-hander and off-spinner, he adds balance to RCB's squad, which retained its title-winning core.
