Move over, legends—there’s a new name echoing through the cricket academies of India. At just **14 years old**, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi isn’t just playing in the U-19 World Cup—he’s rewriting history before most kids his age have even faced their first bouncer in a proper match.
With **973 runs in just 18 Youth ODIs**, Sooryavanshi stands on the brink of eclipsing one of Indian cricket’s most iconic early-career milestones: **Virat Kohli’s U-19 run tally**. The future king of Indian batting needs only **six more runs** to surpass Kohli’s mark—and he’s doing it while leading a star-studded Indian squad favored to win a record sixth title .
Table of Contents
- The Record in Sight: Kohli’s Shadow
- Who Is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?
- U-19 World Cup: India’s Path to a Sixth Title
- Comparing Generations: Sooryavanshi vs. Kohli
- Pressure and Promise: The Mental Game
- Conclusion
- Sources
The Record in Sight: Kohli’s Shadow
Virat Kohli scored **981 runs** in 19 Youth ODIs between 2006 and 2008—a benchmark that stood unchallenged for nearly two decades. Now, Sooryavanshi has matched pace in fewer innings, averaging a staggering **54.05** with three centuries and five fifties .
What makes this feat even more astonishing? He’s achieving it at an age when Kohli was still playing school cricket. “He doesn’t look like a 14-year-old out there,” said former India U-19 coach Rahul Dravid in a recent interview. “His temperament is that of a seasoned international.”
Who Is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?
Hailing from Maharashtra, Sooryavanshi rose to national prominence during the **2025 Vijay Merchant Trophy**, where he smashed 789 runs in just eight matches—including a double-century against Delhi. His compact technique, wristy cover drives, and calm demeanor under pressure drew immediate comparisons to a young Sachin Tendulkar.
But it’s not just raw talent. Sooryavanshi trains **six hours a day**, studies match footage religiously, and maintains a strict fitness regimen. “I don’t want to be the next Kohli or Tendulkar,” he told reporters before the tournament. “I want to be the first Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.”
U-19 World Cup: India’s Path to a Sixth Title
India enters the 2026 U-19 World Cup as overwhelming favorites, having won the last two editions (2022 and 2024). The squad blends explosive batting, disciplined seam bowling, and sharp fielding—a hallmark of India’s youth development system.
Key players include:
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Captain): Opener, primary run-scorer.
- Arjun Yadav: Left-arm spinner with 32 wickets in Youth ODIs.
- Rohan Mehta: Pace bowler clocked at 140+ km/h.
- Karan Patel (WK): Agile behind the stumps, handy lower-order hitter.
Their opening match against Ireland is seen as the perfect launchpad for Sooryavanshi to claim the record—and set the tone for a dominant campaign .
Comparing Generations: Sooryavanshi vs. Kohli
While direct comparisons can be unfair, the statistical parallels are striking:
| Player | Age at Peak U-19 Form | Youth ODI Runs | Average | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 18–19 | 981 | 49.05 | 3 |
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | 14 | 973* | 54.05 | 3 |
Sooryavanshi’s advantage? Modern coaching, data analytics, and year-round competitive structures like the U-16 and U-19 Challenger Series—tools Kohli never had at his age .
Pressure and Promise: The Mental Game
Yet, the biggest test isn’t technical—it’s psychological. Can a 14-year-old handle the weight of a nation’s expectations and the glare of social media scrutiny?
According to sports psychologist Dr. Anjali Sharma, “Early success can be a double-edged sword. But Vaibhav’s support system—his family, coaches, and BCCI’s mental conditioning staff—has prepared him well.” The Indian camp has reportedly limited his phone access and media interactions to keep him focused .
For more on how India nurtures young talent, explore our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-u19-cricket-development-system].
Conclusion
The U-19 World Cup has always been a launchpad for future stars—Kohli, Yuvraj, and Pant all shone here first. Now, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stands at his own threshold, just six runs away from etching his name above a legend. Whether he breaks the record in the first over or the final match, one thing is certain: Indian cricket’s next great hope has already arrived.
Sources
- Times of India. “Teen prodigy on Kohli’s heels: 14-yr-old Sooryavanshi eyes major milestone.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…
- ESPNcricinfo. “India U-19 Squad Announced for 2026 World Cup.” https://www.espncricinfo.com/…
- ICC Official Records. “List of Leading Run-Scorers in Youth ODIs.” https://www.icc-cricket.com/…
- BCCI. “Mental Conditioning Framework for U-19 Players.” https://www.bcci.tv/…