![Vaibhav Suryavanshi to surpass Virat Kohli [Source: @Varungiri0, @RCBTweets/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768458815563_VaibhavSuryavanshitosurpassViratKohliinU19WorldCup.jpg?type=hq)
Vaibhav Suryavanshi to surpass Virat Kohli [Source: @Varungiri0, @RCBTweets/X.com]
All eyes will be on 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi when India begin their U19 World Cup journey in Southern Africa. He is just six runs away from surpassing Virat Kohli’s record tally of runs in Youth ODIs.
The young opener has been the biggest talking point in age-group cricket over the past year, and now he stands just a few runs away from creating history.
India start their campaign against the USA, but the buzz around the team is firmly centred on the teenage prodigy.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi set to surpass Virat Kohli at just 14
In the upcoming U19 World Cup 2026, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has the opportunity to create history, as he needs only six runs to go past Virat Kohli’s tally of 978 runs in U19 Youth ODIs.
What makes this achievement even more special is the speed at which he has reached this stage. He has scored 973 runs in just 18 innings, compared to Kohli’s 25 innings at the same level.
Most runs for India in Youth ODIs:
- Vijay Zol - 1404 runs
- Yashasvi Jaiswal - 1386 runs
- Tanmay Srivastava - 1316 runs
- Shubman Gill/Unmukt Chand - 1149 runs
- Sarfaraz Khan - 1080 runs
- Virat Kohli - 978 runs
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi - 973 runs
The young left-hander already has three centuries and four half-centuries to his name, with an average above 54.
He is also just 27 runs away from reaching 1000 Youth ODI runs, which would place him among a small group of Indian players to achieve that landmark.
Virat Kohli, who led India to the U19 World Cup title in 2008, is now one of the greatest cricketers to serve India. Vaibhav, at 14, has achieved what most 20- or 30-year-olds could only dream of.
Hence, this upcoming U19 World Cup is a big break in his flying career.
A strong Indian squad with big ambitions to play the U19 World Cup
Meanwhile, India will enter the tournament as five-time champions and clear favourites for the U19 World Cup. They have won 13 of their last 16 matches, including series wins in England, Australia and South Africa.
The team seems to be well-balanced with adequate batting and bowler strength. The presence of captain Ayush Mhatre and vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra gives them a reliable opening pair, while Aaron George provides a boost to their middle-order batting.
Deepesh Devendran in the bowling attack could prove to be a dark horse because of his unorthodox action.
The team has been placed in Group B along with New Zealand, Bangladesh and the USA. After the opening match against the USA, India will face Bangladesh and then New Zealand, two games that are expected to test them more seriously.
India’s U19 campaign is more than just one player
While Vaibhav Suryavanshi is the headline act, the Indian camp is clear that success will depend on team effort. The U19 World Cup has always been a platform for future stars, and this squad has several players capable of stepping up when needed.
India are chasing a record sixth title after finishing runners-up in the previous edition. The aim this time is to play fearless cricket, stick to basics, and take one match at a time.
After choking in the Asia Cup, India’s future generation will be more mindful, prepared and ready to tackle the World Cup.
For Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the tournament is a chance to learn, grow and enjoy the big stage. For India, it is another opportunity to continue its proud U19 legacy.
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