‘Vaibhav will definitely play for India one day’: Sooryavanshi’s father backs son for senior team selection

SAMASTIPUR (Bihar): It was celebration time in Bihar’s Samastipur and fireworks were on full display after India clinched their sixth ICC U19 World Cup title when India U19 defeated England by 100 runs in the final on Friday.

The 14-year-old left-handed batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced a sensational performance in the finals of the Under-19 World Cup 2026 against England. He produced a sensational performance, hammering a breathtaking century. He completed his hundred in just 55 balls, making it the fastest century ever scored in an Under-19 World Cup final.

#WATCH | Samastipur, Bihar | India wins the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup, Cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s father Sanjeev Sooryavanshi says, “I am very happy that Vaibhav played really well. All the boys played really well. Vaibhav played a historic innings…. We feel very… pic.twitter.com/8LELoIV2V6

— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2026

Sanjiv Sooryavanshi, father of Player of the Match in the final and Player of the Series, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, said, “Every player played well; they played well throughout the tournament, and what Vaibhav did today was historic. We are feeling very proud after winning the World Cup. Our country is happy, and everybody is celebrating this win. With the blessings of Bihar and all the country, he is doing hard work, and he will definitely play for India one day”.

#WATCH | Bihar: Cricket players at a coaching institute in Samastipur, the native village of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, burst firecrackers after he scored 175 of 80 balls in ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 Finals. pic.twitter.com/GQMEq7nRZN

— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2026

After electing to bat first, India posted a record-shattering 411/9, led by Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s scintillating 175 off 80 balls, which included 15 fours and 15 sixes. Captain Ayush Mhatre added 53 off 51 balls, while Abhigyan Kundu contributed a brisk 40 from 31 deliveries. Chasing 412, England struggled despite a valiant 115 from Caleb Falconer, who struck nine fours and seven sixes. England lost momentum from 142/2 to 177/7, extending their wait for a second U19 World Cup since 1998.

#WATCH | Patiala, Punjab | Indian cricketer Vihaan Malhotra’s mother, Poonam Malhotra, says, “We are very happy, the children have worked very hard for this day. I am waiting to hug my son… It feels very good, we thank God…” https://t.co/qVNnv9g53u pic.twitter.com/nPu57oSU7e

— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2026

The environment was similar at India U19 vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra’s house in Patiala as well. Manoj Malhotra, father of Vihaan Malhotra, said, “Yes, definitely it is a very big win, and my son is involved in that victory, which is in itself a very big thing for us. Winning a World Cup is an achievement, and I saw the 1983 World Cup as a kid; now seeing my kid win a World Cup trophy gives me double the happiness. He has brought fame to Patiala and India, and he has contributed well in each and every match, which in itself is a very big achievement for us. We will celebrate big after he comes to India”.

#WATCH | Patiala, Punjab | India wins the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup: Manoj Malhotra, father of Cricketer Vihaan Malhotra, says, “We are all very happy. This is a big victory, and my son is involved in it, which makes it even bigger. We will have a grand celebration once he… pic.twitter.com/fgjUPWN7Yo

— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2026

The victory also consolidates India’s position as the concurrent holders of five major ICC titles: Men’s T20 World Cup (2024), ICC Champions Trophy (2025), Women’s ODI World Cup (2025), Women’s U19 World Cup (2025), and now the Men’s U19 World Cup (2026).

Brief Scores: India: 411/9 (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 175, Ayush Mhatre 53, James Minto 3/63) beat England: 311 (Caleb Falconer 115, Ben Dawkins 66, RS Ambrish 3/56). (ANI)