India’s sustained dominance in age-group cricket drew praise from senior stars Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir after the Under-19 team secured a record sixth World Cup title with a commanding victory over England in Friday’s final. The reactions followed a one-sided summit clash that showcased India’s depth at the junior level, fueled by a historic batting performance from teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
IND vs. ENG, 2026 U19 World Cup Finals: Highlighting | Scorecard
What did Virat Kohli say after India won the U19 World Cup?
Kohli, who led India to the Under-19 World Cup title in 2008, congratulated the young team for continuing the country’s legacy of excellence at the junior level. “Congratulations to the Indian U-19 team for lifting the World Cup again. Our dominance in age group cricket and beyond continues. Well done to the entire team and support staff,” Kohli wrote on social media.
His message echoed the strong production line that has seen several U-19 graduates become mainstays in the senior Indian team and reinforced the value of India’s youth development system.
What was Gautam Gambhir’s reaction?
Former India opener Gambhir also hailed the achievement and praised the team’s promise and future potential. “I’m proud of you guys! The bright future is here!” Gambhir wrote and reiterated the optimism surrounding the next generation of Indian cricketers after another emphatic World Cup campaign.
How India sealed their sixth U19 World Cup title
The final was defined by a breathtaking innings by Sooryavanshi, who produced one of the most memorable strikes in U19 World Cup history. The 14-year-old smashed an extraordinary 175 off just 80 balls, hammering 15 sixes and 15 fours to power India to a mammoth 411 for 9 after England opted to bowl first.
Sooryavanshi reached his century in just 55 balls – the second-fastest hundred in the competition’s history – and followed it up with the fastest 150 in U-19 cricket, achieved in 71 deliveries. His 175 is now the highest individual score in an U-19 World Cup final and helped India register the highest team total in the summit clash.
England battled through Caleb Falconer’s fluent 67-ball 115 but were eventually bowled out for 311 in 40.2 overs, giving India an emphatic 100-run victory.
Why this U-19 triumph stands out
India last won the U19 World Cup in 2022, and this latest success further cements their position as the most successful team in the history of the tournament. The Ayush Mhatre-led team combined ruthless batting with disciplined bowling, again highlighting why India continue to set the benchmark in age-group cricket.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 6, 2026
