India started their campaign on the opening day of the Under-19 World Cup 2026 at the Queens Park Oval in Bulawayo against the United States of America (USA), as they recently won the three-match away series against South Africa away from home, as a preparatory series, which brings more excitement.

The fielding from the Indianside, especially Vihaan Malhotra, was exceptional as he made a brilliant catch to draw the first blood for the side. Later, he showed another instance to run the batter, Adit Kappa, out as the two batters faced a massive mix-up between them, in the bowling of the spinner, Kanisk Chouhan.

See Also: “Mockery of…”- Pakistan T20 World Cup winner calls for Mohammad Rizwan’s BBL 2025/26 departure for ‘retired-out’ decision

It was a tossed up around the off of delivery from the spinner as Kappa punched it to the right of cover, where Vihan, the live wire on the field, dived across and made that stop before collecting the ball and then turning around to make it a direct hit at the bowler’s end as the batters had already set off for a quick single.

Vihaan Malhotra's special fielding in U-19 World Cup 2026

Kappa was always struggling despite the dive, as he was yards short and was sent on his way by the on-field umpire without taking the help of the third umpire and the review system. He made his way back to a dugout for five runs in just 19 deliveries. It was not a great batting performance from the USA side, with only four of their batters making it into double figures.

Watch the video here: 

#U19WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/wp5yk7S0nu

— Cricket Everywhere✍🏻 (@Subhamk79241601) January 15, 2026

Nitish Sun ended up as the leading run-getter individually in the scorecard with 36 runs in 52 deliveries, thanks to his four boundaries, while Sahil Garg and Arjun Mahesh ended up with 16 runs apiece. Henil Patel celebrates his five-wicket haul for 16 runs in seven overs at an economy rate of justice over two thanks to one maiden.

The United States of America side got bundled out for just 107 runs in 35.2 overs, as the Indian side will hope to complete the chase quickly to get a massive boost in the net run rate, which will be vital heading deep into the tournament against some of the strong teams.

Brief Scores: USA U-19 107 (Nitish Sudini 36, Adnit Jhamb 18, Henil Patel 5/16) vs India U-19.  

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made some important additions to their strong team in the IPL 2026 auction. The team focused on uncapped players, with five out of their eight buys coming from that category. One of them was the Patiala-born teenager, Vihaan Malhotra, bought for ₹30 Lakh.

At 18, Vihaan has already made a mark in Indian cricket with good performances this year. While his chances of playing in the main XI next season may be low, the batting all-rounder could be a big prospect for RCB in the future. Interestingly, Vihaan is one of the few players who bat left-handed but bowl right-arm off-spin.

RCB fans have also been curious to know more about the young player. Here are five interesting facts about RCB's uncapped signing at the IPL 2026 auction, Vihaan Malhotra.

Also Read -ILT20 2025: SWR vs DCP Dream11 Prediction 20th Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

1. Vihaan Malhotra’s Rise to Fame in England

Vihaan Malhotra became known among Indian cricket fans during the India Under-19 tour of England earlier this year. The left-handed batsman scored 243 runs in five ODIs, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer. His average was 48.60, with a strike rate of almost 99.

His performances helped India Under-19 win the ODI series 3-2. Vihaan also played well in the red-ball series, scoring 277 runs in two Tests at an average of over 69, including a century and two half-centuries.

2. Sacrificing His Spot for IPL Stars

Before the England tour, Vihaan had to give up his opening role to two IPL 2025 stars, Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. His coach, Kamalpreet Sandhu, asked him to bat at No.3 and make that position his own.

“He has opened all his life. Batting at No.3 was new for him. I told him Vaibhav and Ayush earned their spot, and he should make No.3 his own,” said Kamalpreet. Vihaan followed his coach’s advice and performed well at No.3 during the England tour.

Read More -Former Proteas all-rounder set for a new chapter with the Italy cricket team ahead of ICC World Cup 2026

3. Idolising Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill

Vihaan enjoys playing all three formats and wants to earn a national call-up through consistent performances, not just a few IPL knocks.

He looks up to Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill because they succeed in all formats. “I admire Shubman Gill. He is technically strong and performs in white-ball cricket too. Kohli and Gill are great examples of complete batsmen,” said Vihaan Malhotra in a recent interview.

He added, “Cricket isn’t only one format. Red-ball cricket builds the base for white-ball success. Some people think a few IPL knocks can get you to India, but I believe in the grind. After England, Vihaan also played in the U-19 tour of Australia. He scored well in the ODIs, averaging just under 40, but struggled in the red-ball matches, averaging under 13.

4. Inspired by Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Team Competition

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, only 14, made headlines in IPL 2025, scoring 252 runs at an average of 36 and a strike rate of 206.55 in seven matches. Vihaan said Vaibhav’s success inspired him, even though they could be future competitors.

He also mentioned Ayush Mhatre and said the competition helped him improve. “The focus on Vaibhav and Ayush helped me go under the radar. Bowlers wanted to dismiss IPL stars first, so I could work my way in. Having them in the team pushed me to work harder,” said Vihaan.

Ayush Mhatre also performed well in IPL 2025, scoring 240 runs at an average of 34.28 and a strike rate of 188.97 in seven games.

Read Also -Know why Joe Burns won't play ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka

5. Imitating Shubman Gill’s Celebration

Vihaan also admires Shubman Gill’s batting and his celebrations. Gill’s signature bow celebration after milestones inspired Vihaan to copy him. “It was amazing to watch him bat live in England. I celebrate my milestones like him — with that bow,” said Vihaan.

Gill had a great Test series in England, scoring 754 runs at an average of over 75, including four centuries, in the 2-2 drawn five-match series.

The 18-year-old India U19 top-order batter Vihaan Malhotra hit a strong century to provide control for the visitors in the second Youth Test match against the hosts England U19 in Chelmsford.

After England U19 were all out for 309 runs in the first innings of the Youth Test, the no.3 India U19 batter Vihaan Malhotra hit a 101-ball century on the third day of the second Youth Test. 

During India U19's first innings of the ongoing Youth Test, opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi lost his wicket early after scoring 20 off 14 balls. Then skipper Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra built up a solid second wicket partnership of 133 runs. Captain Mhatre scored 80 off 90 balls with 14 fours and one six before the opener was dismissed.

See Also: Shubman Gill shares crucial injury update on Indian pacer ahead of ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test

Vihaan Malhotra scored century after two 60s

Since the second wicket partnership was broken, India U19 lost their wickets at regular intervals, but Malhotra continued his impressive batting performance. He completed a century in 101 balls and scored 120 off 123 balls with the help of 19 fours and four sixes. When the left-arm spinner dismissed Malhotra and completed his fifer in the innings, India U19 were suddenly fighting at 253/7. In the first innings of the match, Malhotra also took a wicket as an off-spinner (3.3-0-4-1).

During the first Youth Test of this series, Vihaan Malhotra scored two 60s (67 & 63 runs) and also picked up two wickets (1/17 & 1/32). That Youth Test at Beckenham ended in a thrilling draw, as India U19 were three wickets away and England U19 were 80 runs away from victory at the end of the match.

Ekansh Singh's century rescued England U19 in first innings

Coming back to the ongoing second and last Youth Test of the series, the no.7 batter Ekansh Singh's century (117) and a couple of other good supports helped England U19 (Thomas Rew 51 and James Minto 46) move out from their disastrous first half of the innings, 80/5.