In a span of just a few weeks, Ayush Mhatre grabbed the spotlight across the world, having won the U19 World Cup 2026 for India in his leadership as they got the better of England in the final at the Harare Sports Club. At the age of 18 years, the Mumbai batter has already been part of the glorious Mumbai domestic side, along with the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, and the U-19 WC trophy. 

During the ABP Summit, the U19 WC winning Indian captain gets the award from the Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, amidst a massive crowd and cheer. That has been a massive stand from such a youngster, who will learn more in the future regarding the captaincy once he rubs shoulders with the senior members of the side.

See Also: Watch: Glenn Phillips' outrageous catch dismisses Jacob Bethell for 21 in ENG vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026

Mhatre didn’t contribute massively with the bat in that WC campaign as he ended with only 214 runs in seven innings at an average of 30.57 and a strike rate of 113.22, thanks to three half-centuries, while he clubbed 20 boundaries and 14 sixes in the competition.

Shah Rukh Khan gives award to Ayush Mhatre for winning U19 WC 2026

Mhatre, however, has been a sensational performer, is List A cricket with 458 runs in seven innings for the Mumbai Indians at an average of 65.42 and a strike rate of 135.50, thanks to one half-century and two centuries at the best score of 181 runs.

Watch the video here: 

At the #ABPIdeasOfIndia Summit, the spotlight turned to Ayush Mhatre, the Captain of India’s U-19 Cricket team. Honored by Shah Rukh Khan and CM Devendra Fadnavis, Ayush was celebrated for his incredible "grind"—the perfect blend of raw talent and masterclass technique @iamsrk… pic.twitter.com/pOVlYumjq8

— ABP LIVE (@abplive) February 27, 2026

Meanwhile, Mhatre creamed 660 runs in 22 innings of first-class cricket at an average of 30 and a strike rate of 74.15, thanks to two centuries and two fifties. In his very first season of the IPL, the right-handed batter grabbed 240 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 188.97, scoring one half-century at the best score of 94 runs.

In the semifinal of the U19 WC 2026, Mhatre nailed a fine knock of 62 runs against Afghanistan before backing it up with another half-century in the final against England. As the rule of the BCCI goes,

The Indian team, led by Ayush Mhatre, won the Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe. In the final match held yesterday, India defeated England by 100 runs. With this victory, India lifted the Under-19 World Cup title for the sixth time.

After the historic win, Ayush Mhatre met Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who congratulated him for leading the team to the title. The meeting turned into a special moment for the young captain.

In a heartfelt gesture, Sachin Tendulkar gifted his personal Test jersey to Ayush Mhatre. A video of this emotional moment is now going viral on the internet.

Watch the video here:

Sachin Tendulkar with Ayush Mhatre presenting him signed jersey. ❤️pic.twitter.com/OJcmWbotRF

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 10, 2026

India Win Sixth U-19 World Cup Title

India won the Under-19 World Cup after defeating England in the final at Harare, Zimbabwe. This was India’s sixth U-19 World Cup title. The strong performance caught the attention of cricket fans across the country.

After returning home, Captain Ayush Mhatre received a warm welcome for his leadership in the tournament. During the celebrations, he met Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, known as the “God of Cricket.” Sachin gifted Mhatre his signed Test jersey with a personal message wishing him success in the future. The moment became special and inspiring for the young captain.

Also read -Why will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not in category A of BCCI Central contract?

“All Credit Goes to Vaibhav,” Says Mhatre

India’s historic win also gave fans a heart-touching moment in the dressing room. When asked about leading India to a sixth World Cup title, Mhatre gave a simple and humble reply. “Jo bhi hai Vaibhav ki wajah se hai,” he said, giving full credit to Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

Vaibhav’s brilliant batting performances played a key role in India’s title win. His fearless approach and match-winning knocks made a big difference. Mhatre’s words quickly went viral, with fans praising his maturity, humility, and team spirit at such a young age.

The Zydus Wellness’ nutritional drink brand, The Complan, has appointed the hero of India’s U19 World Cup 2026 final victory against India, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, as their new brand ambassador. Marking the strategic move to strengthen the balance among the young kids of the new generation, the appointment has supported the launch of their new national campaign, ‘Thoda Plan, Thoda Complan.’

The campaign has been built on the big dreams that are realised through everyday planning, the steady support of the mothers, and the right nutrition for the kids. India's Vaibhav Sooryavasnhi’s journey has been about the same process of early discipline, right preparation, and consistent focus on the bigger goal for the country.

See Also: Watch: Kagiso Rabada dismisses Shreyas Movva with rocket pace in SA vs CAN T20 WC 2026 clash

“At Complan, our purpose has always been rooted in enabling potential. As expectations from children’s nutrition evolve, we are focused on supporting families through credible, science-backed solutions and values that emphasize preparation and discipline. Vaibhav’s journey reflects this very philosophy. His disciplined approach to growth resonates strongly with Complan’s focus on building sustainable, well-rounded development in children.” The Zydus Wellness CEO, Tarun Arora, expressed.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi appointed as new brand ambassador of Complan

A few days ago, the left-handed opening batter of the Indian U19 side smashed a thrilling knock of 175 runs in the final against England in Harare, which is now the highest individual score in a U19 WC final. It helped India post 411 runs on the board and claim a 100-run victory.

🚨 VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI - THE NEW BRAND AMBASSADOR OF COMPLAN 🚨 pic.twitter.com/f77XEdmKZ3

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 10, 2026

“I have been drinking Complan for as long as I can remember, so it’s not just a brand to me; it’s been my partner from the local nets to the national stage. Breaking records takes more than just luck. It takes a daily plan, my mom’s support, and the right nutrition to keep me sharp. It’s that 'Thoda Plan, Thoda Complan' vibe doing the work every day so I can chase these big dreams. When you have a plan and the right fuel, you feel like you can take on anyone.” Sooryavanshi addressed.

The ‘Thoda Plan, Thoda Complan’ campaign signals the new phase of evolution, reinforcing the commitment to remain a relevant partner of the families with growing ambitions for today’s children.

The former Indian opening batter and captain, Sunil Gavaskar, has taken a dig at renowned commentator Nasir Hussain, reflecting on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s magnificent century from the Under-19 World Cup final against England last week, where he claimed that the innings was called the real bullying and not the kind that ‘jaundiced people’ would imagine.

Notably, Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed a fine knock of 175 runs in 80 deliveries against England in the final, which is now the highest individual score in a U-19 World Cup final as India piled a 411 and went on to reclaim the title with a commanding 100-run victory after England responded with 311.

See Also: Watch: Brian Bennett takes jaw-dropping catch in ZIM vs OMAN T20 World Cup 2026 clash

“In the just-concluded final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed 175 off only 80 balls against England and single-handedly took the game away from his opponents. To England’s credit, they responded well and also got to 311 in reply to the Indian score of 411. Now, what young Sooryavanshi did is bullying, and not the imaginary kind that some jaundiced people see.” Gavaskar has penned down in his column.

Sunil Gavaskar takes dig at Nasser Hussain’s old comments

In his column, Gavaskar lavished praise on the Indian opening batter. He also reminded the England side that they didn’t have the trip to Zimbabwe for the 2003 World Cup for the same reason as the politics.

“Here are some others, especially from the old powers, for whom India replacing them as the power centre of world cricket has never gone down well. They were quick to join the noise and ask whether, if India had decided not to play in a country, the ICC would have accepted their position or thrown them out of the tournament.” Gavaskar addressed.

“In the 2003 World Cup, England refused to play in Zimbabwe, perhaps because they did not like the face of the then-President Robert Mugabe announcing his policies. There was no security threat, yet they forfeited their points. Did the ICC do anything? No, because at that stage, the English and Australian boards ruled the roost, and the others did not want to upset them.” The former Indian captain noted.

In the previous six editions of the Under-19 World Cup history, India have become the champions thrice and ended up being the runners-up three times. A few days ago, under the leadership of Ayush Mhatre, and thanks to the superb knock of 175 runs from their left-handed opening batter, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, at the Harare Sports Club, they got the victory against England.

Three days after the final, amidst the massive crowd, they landed at home as Ayush Mhatre seemed to be the new talk of the town as he got the garlands from the fans. The young opening batter was in smiles along with his teammates as they made their way inside the town.

See Also: Watch: Harry Brook celebrates 50 with massive six during ENG vs NEP T20 WC 2026 clash

India started the campaign with a massive six-wicket victory against the United States of America before earning another great win over Bangladesh by 18 runs, which was delayed by a run at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. They continued their superb journey with another excellent victory against New Zealand by seven wickets.

India's U19 World Cup 2026 side lands in India after historical victory 

They started their Super Six clash against Zimbabwe with a vital win by 204 runs. In that clash, they posted a massive score of 352 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 50 overs as their middle-order batter, Vihaan Malhotra, clubbed 109 runs in 107 balls, shouldering on seven boundaries at a strike rate of over 100.

Watch the video here: 

#WATCH | Maharashtra | ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup champions, Team India, receive a grand welcome as they arrive in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/oaGli87BKz

— ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2026

They got the promotion into the semifinal against Afghanistan after a superb win over Pakistan. It was a huge chase against the Afghanistan side in the semifinal, where their opener, Aaron Geogre, got 115 runs in 104 balls while Mhatre nailed 62 runs in 59 balls, along with Sooryavanshi’s 68 runs in 33 balls.

In the final, India posted a crucial score of 411 runs for the loss of nine wickets as Vaibhav punched 175 runs in 80 balls at a strike rate of 218.75, thanks to 15 boundaries and as many sixes, besides Mhatre’s 53 runs in 51 balls. England was restricted to 311 runs for the blue brigade’s 100-run victory.

India’s Under-19 team created history by winning a record sixth U19 World Cup title. They beat England by 100 runs in the final at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe. Led by Ayush Mhatre, India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and produced their best performance in the final. England had reached the final after defeating Australia in the semi-final.

The match was dominated by a brilliant batting display from 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He scored a stunning 175 runs from just 80 balls and helped India post a huge total of 411. Ayush Mhatre, Abhigyan Kundu, and Kanishk Chouhan also played important roles in keeping the scoring rate high. For England, James Minto was the standout bowler with three wickets. While chasing, England lost early wickets. Caleb Falconer scored 115 runs, but the target was too big, and India won the match comfortably.

Despite this big achievement, the Indian players did not receive any prize money from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The ICC sees the U19 World Cup as a development tournament for young players, not a commercial event. Teams already get support through ICC development programs, and no extra prize money is given for final positions in the tournament.

Also read -3 teams that played the T20 World Cup 2024 but will miss the 2026 edition, ft. Bangladesh

BCCI Likely to Announce Cash Reward

The Indian Under-19 team may not have received prize money from the ICC, but they are still likely to be rewarded. In the past, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has always recognised the success of its junior teams.

Past Rewards Set a Strong Example

When India won the U19 World Cup in 2022 under captain Yash Dhull, each player received Rs 40 lakh, while support staff members were given Rs 25 lakh. The Indian women’s U19 teams were also rewarded by the BCCI after winning titles in 2023 and 2025. On both occasions, the board announced a total reward of Rs 5 crore for the teams.

Because of this history, there is strong belief that the current U19 World Cup-winning team will also receive a cash reward. Although the BCCI has not made an official announcement yet, a reward for the players and support staff is expected soon to honour their historic achievement.

It was a delayed celebration for the Indian side, under the leadership of Ayush Mhatre, as the catch was delayed with the third umpire checking it multiple times which saw the blue brigade waiting as a group, looking at the screen, and once the final decision was made, they lifted it joy and started their full celebration. 

Earlier in the game, at the Harare Sports Club, India posted a massive score of 411 runs in their allotted 50 overs for the lose of nine wickets as their left-handed opening batter, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, claimed a strong knock of 175 runs in just 80 balls at a strike rate of 218.75, with the help of 15 boundaries and as many sixes.

See Also: Watch: Ayush Mhatre’s father gets emotional after India win U19 World Cup 2026 vs England

Their captain smashed 53 runs in 51 balls at a strike rate of 103.92, shouldering on seven boundaries and two sixes. Their middle order lacked the fire power a little bit before Kanisk Chouhan clubbed an unbeaten knock of 37 runs in just 20 balls at a strike rate of 185, shouldering on three fours and one six.

Relieve India winning U19 World Cup 2026 vs England 

In reply, England got a strong start with the bat, despite losing their opening batter, Joseph Moores. Their other opener, Ben Dawkins, slammed 66 runs in 56 balls at a strike rate of 117.86, thanks to seven boundaries and two sixes. Later, their number three and four got respective starts.

Watch the video here: 

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A post shared by ICC (@icc)

Their middle-order batter, Caleb Falconer, celebrated a fine century of 115 runs in just 67 balls at a strike rate of 171.64, thanks to nine boundaries and seven sixes to be restricted to 311 runs in 40.2 overs in the second innings.

“I honestly can’t express how I’m feeling right now. All the preparation in the last 7-8 months, the effort from the support staff, all the games we played - the Asia Cup and the series leading up to this - everything has brought us to this moment.” Vaibhav Sooryavanshi expressed.

Brief Scores: IND U19 411/9 (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 175, Ayush Mhatre 53, James Minto 3/63) beat ENG U19 311 (Calen Falconer 115, RS Ambrish 3/56) by 100 runs.

India Under-19 created history by winning the Under-19 World Cup 2026 after a dominant performance in the final. India defeated England Under-19 by 100 runs to lift the trophy. The final was played on February 6 at the Harare Sports Club. With this victory, India secured their record sixth Under-19 World Cup title.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the promising young champions and lauded their performance throughout the tournament. He said the team was talented and disciplined. His message reflected national pride in India’s rising cricket stars. “India’s cricketing talent shines! Proud of our U-19 team for bringing home the World Cup. The team has played very well through the tournament, showcasing exceptional skill. This win will inspire several young sportspersons too. Best wishes to the players for their upcoming endeavours.”

The final saw India deliver a complete all-round performance. India Under 19 batted first and scored 411/9 in their 50 overs. Opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played a brillinat knock. Captain Ayush Mhatre contributed significantly to the innings-building. 

Dominant Final and Record-Breaking Performances

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored an incredible innings of 175 runs off only 80 balls, including 15 fours and 15 sixes at a strike rate of 218.75. He scored a 142-run partnership with Ayush Mhatre before adding further runs quickly with Vedant Trivedi. India’s batting display set the tone for a one-sided final. England bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs.

India’s cricketing talent shines!

Proud of our U-19 team for bringing home the World Cup. The team has played very well through the tournament, showcasing exceptional skill. This win will inspire several young sportspersons too. Best wishes to the players for their upcoming…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 6, 2026

See Also: ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Match 1: PAK vs NED, head-to-head, pitch report and predicted playing XIs

Chasing 412, England Under-19 replied through outstanding innings from Caleb Falconer, who made 115, and Ben Dawkins, who made 66. The run rate, though, remained prohibitive. India’s bowlers kept picking up wickets at regular intervals. England were eventually bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs.

Right-arm pacer RS Ambrish led the bowling attack with figures of 3/56 from nine overs. He taken key wickets and ensured India stayed in control. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was named Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament, becoming the first player to win both awards in an Under-19 World Cup.

Through a fine catch by Khilan Patel to dismiss the England centurion, Caleb Falconer on 115 runs, India lift their sixth title for the U19 Men’s World Cup in the 2026 season, as it becomes their third trophy of the last five seasons of the event, including the remaining two being the runners-up tag. India claimed the victory by 100 runs at the Harare Sports Club. 

Post the victory, a video went viral on social media platforms, which saw India’s captain, Ayush Mhatre’s father, being emotional at his residence as he came out to celebrate the victory with the entire family on the road along with the Indian flag. It has been a superb journey for the blue brigade, who finished the competition with an unbeaten tag.

See Also: ‘Domination in…”- Virat Kohli reacts to India winning U19 World Cup 2026 vs England

Winning the toss, Mhatre decided to bat first on the surface, which was expected to flatten out in the second half during the afternoon. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s fine knock of 175 runs set the platform for them as it came in just 80 balls at a strike rate of 218.75, thanks to 15 boundaries and as many sixes.

Ayush Mhatre's father gets emotional to India winning U19 WC 2026 

Mhatre himself was the lighthouse of his partnership with Sooryavanshi as he recorded a supreme knock of 53 runs in 51 balls at a strike rate of 103.93, shouldering on seven boundaries and two sixes. Their middle order lacked a little firepower before Kanish Chouhan’s unbeaten knock of 37 runs in 20 balls shouldered them to 411/9 in their allotted 50 overs.

Watch the video here: 

#WATCH | Virar, Maharashtra | Yogesh Kamlakar Mhatre, father of Captain Ayush Mhatre, becomes emotional after India wins the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup. pic.twitter.com/Iw3ogXWAKG

— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2026

England lost their plot in the middle order, before Falconer played a powerful knock of 115 runs in just 67 balls with the help of nine boundaries and seven sixes, before they got bundled out for 311 runs in 40.2 overs.

“Feeling really good. All the preparation, the effort from the support staff, all the games we played - the Asia Cup and the series leading up to this - everything has brought us to this moment. I want to dedicate this award to the entire support staff. The main goal was not to take too much pressure.” Sooryavanshi, the player of the final and the tournament, expressed.

Brief Scores: IND U19 411/9 (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 175, Ayush Mhatre 53, James Minto 3/63) beat ENG U19 311 (Calen Falconer 115, RS Ambrish 3/56) by 100 runs.

The former U19 World Cup-winning captain from the 2008 season of the competition, Virat Kohli, has revealed his feelings after the Ayush Mhatre-led side claimed their sixth title of the competition against England by 100 runs after the opposition got restricted to 311 runs at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. 

Kohli praised the work of the blue brigade in the age group, which was a reflection of their domination. In the past, Rahul Dravid and, at present, VVS Laxman have worked with these young players together throughout the system, as the players have also enjoyed the facilities at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), which is another reason for their success.

See Also: ‘Below number three…’- Suryakumar Yadav reveals India’s batting line-up vs USA in T20 World Cup 2026

“Congratulations to the U-19 Indian team for lifting the World Cup once again. Our domination in the age-group cricket and beyond continues. Well done to the whole squad and the support staff.” Kohli expressed his view on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Virat Kohli praises India’s U19 World Cup 2026 victory

In the first innings, India posted a massive score of 411/9 as their left-handed opening batter, Vaibhav Sooravanshi, clubbed an outstanding knock of 175 runs in just 80 balls with the help of 15 boundaries and as many sixes, while their captain also clubbed a strong knock of 53 runs at number three.

Congratulations to the U-19 Indian team for lifting the World Cup once again. Our domination in the age group cricket and beyond continues. Well done to the whole squad and the support staff. 👏🇮🇳

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) February 6, 2026

England kept going for the chase despite losing wickets at one end till the end, before their middle-order batter, Caleb Falconer, posted a strong knock of 115 runs in 67 balls at a strike rate of 171.64, with the help of nine boundaries and seven sixes, while their opener, Ben Dawkins, got 66 runs.

“I can't express my feelings, but it's a memorable moment for us. And an incredible journey. Yeah, the boys have played really well, and what we have set as the goals, they executed really well. And they played as a natural game.” Mhatre expressed at the end of the game.

Brief Scores: IND U19 411/9 (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 175, Ayush Mhatre 53, James Minto 3/63) beat ENG U19 311 (Calen Falconer 115, RS Ambrish 3/56) by 100 runs.