Vihaan Malhotra has made headlines in the U-19 World Cup with a sensational performance that showcased his immense talent and hard work. The stylish left-handed batsman, who destroyed Zimbabwean bowlers during the match, has a backstory filled with youthful exuberance and determination, characterized by his early days of shattering household items in pursuit of cricket dreams.
Vihaan’s father, Manoj Malhotra, shared insights into his son’s childhood, recalling how Vihaan often practiced in their home, sometimes breaking fans and lights during his enthusiastic play. His father, a Superintending Engineer in Patiala’s water supply department, fondly remembered evenings when his son would eagerly wait for him to return from work, ready for impromptu practice sessions in their living room.
Drawing comparisons to cricketing greats, Punjab U-19 coach Ranveet Ricky likened Vihaan’s century to a performance reminiscent of Yuvraj Singh, particularly praising his impressive cover drives. Vihaan’s cricketing journey took shape as he watched his idol, Virat Kohli, and absorbed lessons from his gameplay. Ricky noted that this hundred would likely reflect on Vihaan’s aspirations and Kohli’s impactful role in leading India to the title in 2008.
To channel Vihaan’s potential and reduce household disruptions, his parents enrolled him at the Black Elephant Cricket Club, where his skills were honed under the guidance of Coach Kamal Sandhu. Over the years, Vihaan’s hard work bore fruit, as he excelled in various competitions, including an impressive 200-run innings against Mumbai and a remarkable performance in the Vijay Merchant Trophy, where he amassed 978 runs with an average of 81.50.
Vihaan maintained his performance consistency with notable contributions in Youth Tests and ODIs, drawing on advice from his coaches to refine his playstyle. Notably, ahead of the World Cup, he practiced against various bowling styles to strengthen his batting technique.
In addition to his batting prowess, Vihaan showcased his versatility by demonstrating effective bowling skills during matches, further enhancing his all-rounder profile. Just recently, he also made headlines when Royal Challengers Bengaluru acquired him for a staggering Rs 30 lakh in the mini auction.
With dreams of emulating his idol and contributing significantly to the Indian cricket landscape, Vihaan Malhotra stands as an inspiring figure for young cricketers. His journey reflects a promising future not only for himself but also for Indian cricket, as he combines talent, perseverance, and a strong support system to achieve his goals on the international stage.