Fourteen-year-old Indian batting superstar Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s father, Sanjiv Sooryavanshi, believes his son’s heroics at the U-19 World Cup could soon open the door to a call-up to the Indian senior team. Speaking after the Indian title, he said that Vaibhav’s historic last knock made not only the family proud but also the entire Bihar and the entire country.
After that I talk to ANI India’s sixth U19 World Cup win on Friday Vaibhav’s father Sanjiv Sooryavanshi said the family was overwhelmed with pride and believed his son’s hard work would eventually take him to the top.
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“Every player played well; they played well throughout the tournament and what Vaibhav did today was historic. We are very proud to have won the World Cup. Our country is happy and everyone is celebrating this win. With the blessings of Bihar and the whole country, he is doing hard work and will definitely play for India one day,” he said.
“Yes, it is definitely a very big win and my son is a part of this win which is a very big thing for us in itself. To win the World Cup is an achievement and as a kid I saw the 1983 World Cup; now when I see my kid win the World Cup trophy I am doubly happy. He has brought glory to Patiala and India and has helped to make himself a big success after every match. India,” added Sanjiv Sooryavanshi.
How India won the U19 World Cup 2026?
India were crowned men’s under-19 cricket world champions for the sixth time after creating a final with overwhelming authority, dismantling England by 100 runs at the Harare Sports Club on February 6. Ayush Mhatra-led India piled up a colossal 411 for 9 before England bowled out a 311 to seal the all-important tournament title.
At the center of it all was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Vaibhav’s stupendous 175 was much more than a match-winning effort. On the biggest stage in junior cricket, he produced an innings that felt like an announcement to the world. The left-hander tore through England’s attack with fearless intent and total control to turn the final into a one-sided spectacle.
He reached his hundred in just 55 balls, the second-fastest ever century in the history of the U19 World Cup, after already flying a 32-ball fifty. And once he got past three figures, he only got more ruthless. The next burst was even quicker, his second fifty coming in just 23 deliveries as England ran out of ideas and the scoreboard kept moving forward.
By the time he was dismissed, Vaibhav had hit 30 boundaries, including 15 sixes, with 150 of his runs coming purely through fours and sixes. He became the youngest centurion in the history of the U-19 World Cup, set a record for the highest individual score in the final and led India to the highest total ever recorded in a title match.
Chasing an impossible 412, England never found their footing despite a solitary fighting century from Caleb Falconer. The Indian bowlers kept fighting back and ensured that the chase never became a contest.
What was the rise of Vaibhav Suryavanshi?
Vaibhav’s rise was on the radar long before this tournament began. He entered the Under-19 World Cup with the hallmarks of a rare teenage phenomenon, had an IPL contract at the age of 13 and produced outstanding performances against Australia in junior cricket.
During the U-19 World Cup, there were a few instances where he threatened big scores without quite completing them, and quiet doubts began to emerge. But the finale left no room for debate as he scripted a historic moment with his thunderous knock.
Now with a world championship medal and records around his neck at just 14 years old, the conversation has shifted quickly. It is no longer a question of whether he will make it to the senior India team – it is a question of when that moment will come.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
February 7, 2026
