The cricketing world rose to applaud India’s newest sensation as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi lit up the Under-19 World Cup 2026 final, powering India to a record-extending sixth title with a breathtaking display against England. Just 14 years old, the prodigious batter smashed a staggering 175 off 80 balls in the title clash, rewriting record books and announcing himself as a once-in-a-generation talent on the global stage.

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While the nation celebrated the emergence of a teenage superstar, Vaibhav’s father, Sanjeev Sooryavanshi, chose to keep his feet firmly on the ground. Speaking to The Times of India from Samastipur, he revealed that emotions did get the better of him when his son called after the historic triumph.

“When Vaibhav called, I couldn’t hold my tears back,” Sanjeev said. But pride, he insisted, would not blur perspective. For him, milestones lie far beyond age-group glory.

“Jab tak Test na khele, kya bada cricketer?” he remarked bluntly. Until Vaibhav earns an India Test cap, his father refuses to label him a ‘big cricketer’.

The ripple effect of Vaibhav’s heroics has been felt far beyond the final. In Patna, coach Manish Ojha’s phone hasn’t stopped buzzing since the teenager’s explosive rise. Parents from across the region have been reaching out, hoping their children can follow in Vaibhav’s footsteps.

“Sir, mera beta do saal ka hai, usko cricketer Vaibhav bana dijiye,” Ojha recounted with a laugh.
“Absolute madness ho rakha hai. Vaibhav has sparked a sporting revolution in Bihar. Now people want their kids to play sports.”

Ojha also referenced the once-popular proverb immortalised in MS Dhoni’s biopic, ‘Padhoge likhoge banoge nawab, kheloge kudoge banoge kharaab’, noting how Vaibhav’s success has begun to flip that mindset on its head.

While his father dreams of whites and red-ball glory, Ojha believes Vaibhav is tailor-made for the modern game. According to the coach, the teenager’s mindset is wired for dominance rather than accumulation.

“He doesn’t believe in singles or doubles. His instinct tells him only one thing: go for the kill. He believes in complete domination,” Ojha said.

At just 14, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already conquered the Under-19 world. But for those closest to him, this is only the opening chapter.