A childhood dream has turned into a real-life story for young Indian cricketer Vihaan Malhotra, who is currently playing in the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 in Zimbabwe. When Vihaan Malhotra was just nine years old, he joined Cricket Hub Academy in Patiala.
IPL 2026 makes Vihaan Malhotra’s dream come true
On his very first day, the young cricketer told his coach that Vihaan Malhotra wants to be like Virat Kohli one day and also wants to play cricket with the Indian cricket superstar. At that age, Vihaan himself did not know that these things would one day turn into reality.
Now, Vihaan is 19 years old, and his dream has come true in the biggest way. He has been bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the upcoming IPL 2026. He was bought for ₹30 lakh in the IPL 2026 auction, helping him realize his dream this summer.
Also read: Yuvraj Singh reveals to former Indian teammates years after retirement: ‘I didn’t get support and felt humiliated’
The India Under-19 star will now share the same dressing room, field, dugout and even bat with Virat Kohli at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). His coach at Cricket Hub Academy told that Vihaan was a big fan of Kohli since childhood.
True fan of Virat Kohli since childhood
Vihaan Malhotra used to watch the batting videos of the former Indian captain many times. He liked Kohli’s shots, especially cover drives, and tried to imitate them in practice. Vihaan also followed Virat’s fitness style very seriously and always wanted to learn everything he could from the Indian legend.
Times of India quoted Kamal Sandhu as saying, “Who knew he would say this and it will come true one day. I am very happy for him. I used to watch Virat’s videos – loved his shots, especially cover drives. He is also a fitness freak. He always admires Virat and tries to take everything from the legend’s book. Playing in RCB will give him a lot.” Learn. She’s happy—really happy.”
RCB’s tenured Vihaan Malhotra is set to change
Another coach, Ravneet Ricky feels that playing in IPL 2026 with RCB will help Vihaan develop even more as a cricketer. He said, “I am very happy for him that he is going to share the dressing room with a legend like Virat Kohli in RCB this year.
A more sophisticated Vihaan will emerge after IPL. After talking to Virat and spending time with him, he will have a different perspective and mindset. Virat and I have played together many times.
Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin directly calls Virat Kohli to resolve the matter after ‘indirect attack’ controversy
Strong performance and big future ahead
The year 2025 was very special for Vihaan’s career. He scored 277 runs in just two Youth Test matches, including a highest score of 120.
After that, he played five Youth ODI matches and scored 243 runs including a century, and he continued his great form in the ongoing tournament as well.
Currently, Vihaan is the only player for India to score a century so far in the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026. He also took four wickets in the tournament and two notable catches.
The Patiala student will resume his training at their academy for IPL 2026 after his India Under-19 duty. The coach signed off by saying, “There are a lot of plans to prepare for the IPL. Let him come back – we will start those practices as well.”