India's record-extending sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup triumph on Friday drew glowing tributes from across the cricketing fraternity, with batting great Virat Kohli and senior men's team head coach Gautam Gambhir leading the praise for the dominant performance in Harare.
The title-winning campaign was crowned by a sensational knock from 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who smashed a breathtaking 175 off just 80 balls in the final. His innings powered India to a daunting 411 for nine, before the bowlers sealed a comprehensive 100-run victory over England.
Congratulating the team, Kohli — who captained India to the U-19 World Cup title in 2008 — hailed the country's sustained dominance at the age-group level.
"Congratulations to the U-19 Indian team for lifting the World Cup once again. Our domination in age-group cricket and beyond continues. Well done to the whole squad and the support staff," Kohli posted on X.
India head coach Gambhir echoed similar sentiments, praising the young side's promise.
"Proud of you boys! The bright future is here! #IndiaU19," he wrote.
Former India spinner R Ashwin described the triumph as a reflection of fearless modern-day white-ball cricket.
"Incredible confidence and skill to be able to do what this @BCCI Under-19 team did throughout this campaign. Well done, boys. Scary to think of what par scores are going to look like in the future," Ashwin said.
Another former spinner, Harbhajan Singh, termed the victory a dominant display.
"UNDER-19 WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS. What a dominating performance. Congratulations Team India," he posted.
India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav reserved special praise for Sooryavanshi's remarkable innings, which featured a record 15 sixes and an equal number of fours.
"Absolutely incredible @vaibhavsoorya09. What a special mentality to deliver a knock like this in a final. Class," Suryakumar wrote.
Congratulations to the U-19 Indian team for lifting the World Cup once again. Our domination in the age group cricket and beyond continues. Well done to the whole squad and the support staff. ???
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) February 6, 2026
South African pace legend Dale Steyn also joined the chorus of praise, saying, "Everyone's tweeting about him, so I may as well too. This kid — wonder boy — he's going to win an IPL before he finishes school."
Former West Indies fast bowler and commentator Ian Bishop lauded India's all-round performance.
"India's U-19 team didn't just turn up with a galaxy of stars. They turned up, turned on the power, worked hard, played smart and fully deserved this win. Congratulations," Bishop wrote.
India batter Mayank Agarwal highlighted the team's fearless approach on the biggest stage.
"Fearless cricket on the biggest stage. An absolutely electric performance by the India U-19 boys. A World Cup win powered by intent, skill and a record-breaking knock by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Really exciting future for Indian cricket," Agarwal said.
