Kohli Enthusiast Makes Major Progress

Bassyonni

Published: February 4, 2026 8:18 AM ET

Last December, a significant moment unfolded for the Malhotra family during a video call with their son Vihaan, who was in Dubai for the U19 Asia Cup. The call, filled with smiles and silence, marked a pivotal point in Vihaan’s cricket journey. Earlier that day, RCB announced they had signed the talented young cricketer, igniting excitement back home in Patiala.

Kohli Enthusiast Makes Major Progress

Vihaan, born in 2007, is a product of the IPL era. His childhood was marked by intense admiration for Virat Kohli. The young batsman, now signed by RCB, transformed his cricketing passion from a casual hobby into a serious pursuit.

Early Influences and Family Support

Cricket was a way for Vihaan to channel his youthful energy. Manoj, his father, a Superintending Engineer, and Poonam, a gynaecologist, initially saw cricket as a fun activity. However, they soon recognized Vihaan’s potential.

First notable moment: A remarkable catch at age 10 during an inter-district game.
Second affirmation: Scored 978 runs in 15 innings for the Punjab U16 team.

These achievements prompted the Malhotras to seriously consider Vihaan’s cricket future. Poonam suggested enrolling him in a coaching institute, while Manoj was hesitant, fearing it might hinder his cricket journey. Ultimately, they chose to let him continue playing.

Balancing Academics and Cricket

Vihaan excelled in both domains, scoring 90% in his 10th-grade ICSE exams. The family often discussed the balance of sports and academics, ensuring Vihaan remained focused on both. Despite occasional performance dips, Vihaan’s passion kept him in the game.

Training and Development

Vihaan honed his skills at the Cricket Hub in Patiala under coach Kamalpreet Sandhu. Later, he joined Ravneet Ricky, a former India U19 player. This mentorship proved beneficial, especially in his journey towards the U19 level.

Ricky encouraged Vihaan to score 1000 runs in a season to progress. Vihaan demonstrated his talent by scoring 200 runs in a high-pressure semifinal, captivating both his coach and the opposing team’s coach with his gameplay.

Recent Performances and Adaptability

Transitioning to the Under-19 team, Vihaan proved his versatility. Although primarily an opener, he adapted to batting at No. 4 during the U19 Asia Cup. He also contributed with off-spin bowling.

Since June, he participated in multiple youth ODIs and Tests in England and Australia, accumulating impressive scores. Recently, he began the U19 World Cup with a four-wicket haul against the USA and later scored a century against Zimbabwe.

Future Prospects

RCB recognized Vihaan’s potential during the IPL auction and secured him at base price. His adaptability and eagerness to improve his game suggest a bright future. Vihaan’s remarkable journey from a Kohli enthusiast to an RCB player reflects his dedication and talent.

As he prepares to step into the RCB dressing room, he embodies the dreams of young cricketers everywhere, proving that with hard work, passion, and support, dreams can indeed become reality.