The cricketing world is witnessing a phenomenon that hasn’t been seen since the early days of Sachin Tendulkar. In a historic feat that has sent shockwaves through the sports community, a 14-year-old boy from Bihar has broken Virat Kohli’s long-standing U19 record, officially announcing himself as the next global superstar.
On January 17, 2026, during a high-stakes encounter against Bangladesh in the Under-19 World Cup, Vaibhav Suryavanshi etched his name into the record books, proving that he is not just a prospect, but a powerhouse.
The Moment History Was Made: Surpassing Virat Kohli
For years, Virat Kohli’s records in Youth ODIs were considered the gold standard for any aspiring cricketer. However, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has rewritten those numbers.
During his magnificent half-century against Bangladesh, Vaibhav surpassed Kohli’s tally of 978 runs in Youth ODIs. At just 14 years of age, he reached a monumental 1,047 runs in only 20 matches, maintaining a staggering average and a strike rate that would make even senior T20 stars envious.
The Stats Comparison: Vaibhav vs. Kohli
| Stat | Vaibhav Suryavanshi (as of Jan 2026) | Virat Kohli (U19 Career) |
| Total Runs | 1,047 | 978 |
| Innings | 20 | 28 |
| Average | 52.35 | 44.45 |
| Strike Rate | 157.68 | 80.00+ |
Not only did he break the runs record, but he also became the youngest player in history to score a 50+ score in an ICC Under-19 World Cup match.
From Samastipur to the Global Stage: The Humble Journey
Vaibhav’s rise is a story of grit and parental sacrifice. Born in the Tajpur village of Samastipur, Bihar, his journey began at the tender age of four. His father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, was an aspiring cricketer who couldn’t fulfill his own dreams, so he dedicated his life to his son’s.
Home-Grown Talent: Sanjiv installed a practice net in their backyard so Vaibhav could train daily.
The 100km Grind: Recognizing his talent, his father traveled 100 kilometers from Samastipur to Patna every alternate day to ensure Vaibhav received professional coaching from Manish Ojha.
Family Sacrifice: To fund his son’s kit and training, Sanjiv even sold pieces of their family farmland—a gamble that has now paid off in millions.
IPL 2025: The “Crorepati” Prodigy
Before his U19 World Cup heroics, Vaibhav was already a household name due to his sensational stint with the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025. Bought for ₹1.1 Crore, he became the youngest debutant in IPL history at 14 years and 23 days.
His performance was nothing short of cinematic:
The 35-Ball Century: He smashed a hundred in just 35 balls against Gujarat Titans, making it the fastest IPL century by an Indian and the second-fastest overall (behind Chris Gayle’s 30-ball ton).
Season Summary: He finished the season with 252 runs in 7 games at a mind-blowing strike rate of 206.56.
Fearless Debut: He became an overnight viral sensation by hitting a six off the very first ball he faced in his IPL career.
U19 World Cup 2026: The Masterclass vs. Bangladesh
Vaibhav’s best performance of the current tournament came in Bulawayo against a fierce Bangladesh attack. Recovering from a quiet opening game, he unleashed a barrage of boundaries that left the opposition stunned.
Runs: 72 off 67 balls
Boundary Count: 6 Fours and 3 Sixes
Highlight: He reached his half-century in just 30 balls, the fastest in the current tournament.
His ability to dominate both pace and spin has made him the “X-factor” for India as they look to defend their title.
What the Legends Are Saying
The “Vaibhav Fever” has reached even the most senior veterans of the game. However, the praise comes with a side of caution.
“He is someone we shouldn’t praise to the skies just yet. We need to let him learn and play his game without the pressure of living up to a first-ball six every time.” — Sunil Gavaskar
While Gavaskar warned against over-hyping the youngster to protect his mental health, he also called his IPL century “absolutely magnificent” considering the quality of international bowlers he faced. Other veterans like WV Raman have praised his “precocious ability” to find gaps and play a “360-degree” game.
Final Thoughts
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is more than just a 14-year-old with a bat; he is a symbol of the new, fearless era of Indian cricket. By breaking a record held by a legend like Virat Kohli, he hasn’t just entered the spotlight—illegally or not, he has claimed it.