India's search for next Virat Kohli ends? Team India batter wearing Jersey no. 18

Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket created a void in Team India's playing combination. Newly appointed captain Shubman Gill has been in phenomenal form batting at number 4 in the Whites. After taking retirements from T20I and then from the Test, he was available only to play in the ODI format.

Test, ODI, and T20I—all are different ball games, and Virat Kohli cemented his legacy in all three avenues. As the batting maestro is now 36, Team India needs someone who can serve the side for a long time. Through several domestic tournaments and the Indian Premier League, multiple young talents displayed their potential with their fluent batting performances.

One of the most discussed prodigies in recent times is undoubtedly Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The 14-year-old batting sensation, scouted by Rajasthan Royals, glittered in IPL 2025 with his surprisingly swift hitting skills. After the inclusion of this season's Indian Premier League, the Bihar-born batter has been doing wonders in England with the Under 19 India team.

Suryavanshi in jersey no. 18

IND U19 is currently in England for the ongoing multi-format series against the home team. So far, the touring side has played well, as Suryavanshi has done individually with the brigade in blue. During the youth test between India U19 and England U19, Vaibhav was spotted in Jersey no. 18.

During the youth test match in Beckenham, the batter smashed a 56-run innings in the second innings of the match. Before the long-format game, the southpaw got a 143-run innings in the bag and a useful 86-run innings against England U19. A recently published video on social media platforms showed the increasing fan following of the young run machine.