Remember that wide-eyed kid who once wrote, “Mujhe Virat jaisa banna hai” (I want to be like Virat)? That boy is now a man—and he’s just been signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In a story that feels plucked from a Bollywood script, 19-year-old Vihaan Malhotra joins RCB after being picked for ₹30 lakh in the IPL 2026 auction. But this isn’t just another uncapped player getting a shot. This is the culmination of a decade-long dream, backed by hard work, academic discipline, and a breakout performance on the global stage. And now, he’s not just watching Virat Kohli from the stands—he’s about to sit beside him in the dressing room.
Table of Contents
- From Childhood Dream to IPL Reality
- The U-19 World Cup Century That Changed Everything
- Who Is Vihaan Malhotra? Beyond the Cricket Field
- Why RCB Bet on Vihaan Malhotra
- What This Means for RCB’s IPL 2026 Campaign
- Conclusion: A New Star Rises in Bengaluru
- Sources
From Childhood Dream to IPL Reality
Back in 2017, a nine-year-old Vihaan Malhotra from Patiala penned a simple yet powerful line in his notebook: “Mujhe Virat jaisa banna hai.” Fast forward to January 2026, and that same young man has been acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru—the very franchise captained by his idol, Virat Kohli [[1]]. It’s a full-circle moment that resonates deeply with millions of Indian cricket fans who’ve grown up idolizing Kohli. For Vihaan, it’s not just a contract; it’s destiny fulfilled. His selection in the IPL auction wasn’t a fluke—it was the reward for years of dedication, both on the pitch and in the classroom.
The U-19 World Cup Century That Changed Everything
Vihaan didn’t just show up at the auction hoping for a chance. He arrived as India’s only centurion in the ongoing ICC U-19 World Cup 2026. In a high-stakes Super Six match against Zimbabwe, he smashed an unbeaten 109 off 107 balls, anchoring India’s innings and guiding them to a massive total of 352/7 [[4]]. His knock, laced with seven boundaries, showcased maturity beyond his years—calm under pressure, decisive in crisis, and technically sound. This wasn’t just a century; it was a statement that he belongs at the highest level. Scouts from multiple franchises took notice, but RCB moved decisively, securing him for his base price of ₹30 lakh [[7]].
Who Is Vihaan Malhotra? Beyond the Cricket Field
What sets Vihaan apart isn’t just his cricketing talent—it’s his balance. While many young athletes drop out of formal education to pursue sport, Vihaan is a first-year BBA student at Chitkara University [[10]]. He’s known among peers as an “academic ace,” proving that excellence in sports and studies can coexist. On the field, he’s a genuine all-rounder: a left-handed top-order batter, a handy off-spin bowler, and an electric fielder. This three-dimensional skillset makes him a perfect fit for the modern T20 game, where versatility is king. As one coach noted, “He’s not just a batsman who bowls—he’s a complete cricketer in the making” [[12]].
Why RCB Bet on Vihaan Malhotra joins RCB
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have long been criticized for their batting-heavy squads and lack of Indian all-rounders. Vihaan’s acquisition signals a strategic shift. At just 19, he offers long-term value—a player who can grow with the franchise for years. More importantly, his story aligns perfectly with RCB’s brand: passionate, youthful, and aspirational. Imagine the marketing potential: the boy who dreamed of playing with Kohli, now doing exactly that. It’s authentic, emotional, and deeply relatable. For fantasy cricket managers, he’s a dark horse pick with high upside—especially if he gets a few games in the middle order [[15]].
What This Means for RCB’s IPL 2026 Campaign
While Vihaan may not start in the XI immediately, his presence adds crucial depth. With veterans like Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green often carrying the all-rounder load, having a young Indian option provides flexibility. If injuries strike or form dips, Vihaan could be the X-factor off the bench. Moreover, training alongside legends like Kohli and Faf du Plessis will accelerate his development exponentially. This move also reflects RCB’s renewed focus on nurturing homegrown talent—a strategy that could pay dividends in future seasons. For more on RCB’s evolving squad philosophy, see our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:rcb-youth-academy-and-ipl-strategy].
Conclusion: A New Star Rises in Bengaluru
Vihaan Malhotra’s journey—from a notebook in Patiala to the RCB dugout—is more than inspiring; it’s a testament to the power of dreams backed by relentless effort. His story reminds us that heroes aren’t just born; they’re made through discipline, resilience, and a little bit of magic. As he prepares to don the iconic red and black jersey, one thing is certain: the boy who wanted to be like Virat is now ready to carve his own legacy. And for RCB fans, that’s a dream worth believing in.
Sources
- [[1]] Times of India: ‘Mujhe Virat jaisa banna hai’: Vihaan Malhotra — academic ace, crisis man & future Kohli teammate
- [[4]] Mid-Day: U-19 World Cup: Vihaan Malhotra’s century powers India to rout Zimbabwe by 204 runs
- [[7]] CricTracker: IPL 2026 Auction: Full list of players sold and unsold
- [[10]] Chitkara University Facebook: Chitkara University’s Vihaan Malhotra Secures RCB Selection
- [[12]] ESPNcricinfo: Rising Stars of the U-19 World Cup 2026
- [[15]] Fantasy Cricket Today: Top 5 Uncapped Players to Watch in IPL 2026