Meet Vihaan Malhotra: The Academic Star Aspiring to Follow in Virat Kohli’s Footsteps
NEW DELHI: Vihaan Malhotra, a 19-year-old cricketer, has realized his childhood dream of playing alongside his idol, Virat Kohli, after being signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2026. Malhotra, who first expressed his desire to emulate Kohli at the age of nine, has been making headlines in the ongoing Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe. He is currently India’s only centurion in the tournament, having scored an impressive unbeaten century against Zimbabwe, leading his team to a significant victory.
Vihaan’s Journey to the IPL
Vihaan Malhotra’s journey began at the Cricket Hub Academy in Patiala, where he trained under coach Kamal Sandhu. His early aspirations were clear: he wanted to be like Virat Kohli. Now, as he prepares to join the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, his coach reflects on how far he has come. Malhotra was bought for Rs 30 lakh during the IPL auction, a testament to his potential and hard work. Sandhu expressed his happiness for Vihaan, noting that playing with Kohli will provide invaluable learning experiences for the young cricketer.
Vihaan’s performance in the Under-19 World Cup has been remarkable. He not only scored a century against Zimbabwe but also showcased his all-round abilities by taking four wickets and executing two spectacular catches against Bangladesh. His versatility as a player has been a focal point of his training, as he has adapted to various roles on the field, demonstrating his commitment to becoming a well-rounded cricketer.
Training and Development
Vihaan’s training regimen has been rigorous. He has transitioned from being an opener to a player capable of batting in any position. His coach emphasized the importance of being an all-dimensional player, which has become a cornerstone of Vihaan’s development. He dedicates hours to batting, bowling, and fielding drills, often concluding his practice sessions by watching videos of Virat Kohli to learn from the best.
Ravneet Ricky, another coach who has worked with Vihaan, describes him as the team’s crisis man. Ricky has noted Vihaan’s adaptability and willingness to accept challenges, whether batting in the middle order or stepping up in difficult situations. This mindset has been crucial for his growth as a player, and Ricky believes that the experience of playing alongside Kohli will further refine Vihaan’s skills and approach to the game.
Family Support and Academic Excellence
Vihaan’s journey has been supported by his family, who initially encouraged him to pursue academics over sports. His father, an engineer, and his mother, a doctor, took him to cricket training as a hobby, unaware of his deep passion for the sport. Coach Sandhu recognized Vihaan’s talent early on and advocated for his cricketing aspirations.
Despite excelling academically, with impressive grades, Vihaan prioritized cricket. His dedication to the sport became evident as he devoted more time to practice, often training from morning until night. Sandhu noted that Vihaan’s mental strength and commitment to cricket have been remarkable, setting him apart from his peers. As he prepares for the IPL, both coaches and family members are excited to see how he will continue to develop and succeed in his cricketing career.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
