New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and global cricket icon Virat Kohli paid tributes to the victorious Indian team for winning the Under-19 World Cup title for a record-extending time. The Boys in Blue scripted history in Harare on Friday by registering a comprehensive 100-run win over England in the final at the Harare Cricket Club.
The Asian giants rode on Vaibhav Sooryanshi’s incredible knock of 175 to reclaim the title they lost in 2024 and extend their dominance as the most successful team in the history of the U-19 WC.
The Boys in Blue, who reclaimed the world title after returning empty-handed in 2024, finished the campaign unbeaten for the second time in the tournament’s history. In 2018, the Prithivi Shaw-led team won the tournament undefeated with six wins.
Four years after the Yash Dhull-led side beat England in the final, Ayush Mhatre’s boys inflicted more pain on the Three Lions, who have now lost two successive finals.
As soon as the young guns sealed the title, reactions started pouring in on social media.
Tributes pour in on social media as Indian boys script history
PM Modi, who is an avid follower of Indian sports and sportspersons, hailed the team for the remarkable achievement.
India’s cricketing talent shines!
Proud of our U-19 team for bringing home the World Cup. The team has played very well through the tournament, showcasing exceptional skill. This win will inspire several young sportspersons too. Best wishes to the players for their upcoming…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 6, 2026
Legendary batter Virat Kohli, who led the Under-19 team to a title win in 2008, congratulated the team on extending India;s dominance in the junior global cricketing landscape.
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
India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, who will lead the team in the T20 World Cup 2026 starting on February 7, was all praise for the young brigade.
6th time U-19 World Cup Winners!!🇮🇳 You boys are so young yet extraordinary⭐️ You’ve announced yourselves as champions and made the whole nation proud tonight 💙🥳 pic.twitter.com/XhHVVXelzE
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) February 6, 2026
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan praised the contributions of batting stars Sooryvanshi, Mhatre and RS Ambrish and the other bowlers in the historic win.
Champions again 🏆
A record 6th U-19 World Cup for India. Vaibhav’s 175 and Ayush’s captain’s knock set it up, and Ambrish and the bowlers finished it off in style. Well played, boys 🇮🇳👏 pic.twitter.com/020hzmftao
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) February 6, 2026
Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar was elated with the boys’ performance.
Champions!
So proud of this young group and the fearless cricket they played. Well done to the entire team, including coaches and support staff. Enjoy the moment!
When you have a Sooryavanshi, a timeless blockbuster is expected! Well done, Vaibhav! pic.twitter.com/wGXtwt55SS
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 6, 2026
Sensational Sooryanshi powers India’s stunning win
India’s sensational win was set up by the brilliance of Sooryavanshi. The 14-year-old prodigy played the most dominant innings in the U-19 World Cup history to power India to the highest-ever total (411/9) in a U-19 WC final.
Sooryavanshi’s incredible onslaught included an astonishing 15 sixes and as many fours. His 80-ball 175 knocked the stuffing out of England.
Sooryvanshi saved his best for the last and completed his century in just 55 balls to become the second fastest centurion in the history of the U-19 World Cup. His 175-run knock is now the best individual score in a U-19 World Cup final.
Chasing an improbable target of 412, England’s Caleb Falconer played a remarkable 67-ball 115, but the massive target proved too big for the Three Lions in the end.
For India, RS Ambrish picked up three wickets while Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan bagged two wickets apiece.