Ayush Mhatre turns Rohit Sharma, selflessly gives Vaibhav Sooryavanshi all credit for U19 World Cup win

Indian cricket has once again shown its strength at the Under-19 level. On February 6, the Ayush Mhatre-led Indian team defeated England by a huge 100 runs in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 final at Harare Sports Club and lifted their sixth title.

Ayush Mhatre joins elite club as India clinch sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup title with record-breaking win

With this massive victory, India made history, as it is now the biggest victory margin ever in an ICC Under-19 World Cup final, breaking the previous record set by Australia (79 runs). Additionally, with this title, India continued their long tradition of producing world-class young leaders.

Ayush Mhatre became the sixth captain to win the Under-19 World Cup for India, joining the elite list featuring Mohammed Kaif, Virat Kohli, Unmukt Chand, Prithvi Shaw, and Yash Dhull. India’s record in Under-19 World Cups over the last few years has been outstanding.

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Since 2016, India Under-19 has played 38 matches and won 35 of them, losing only three times. Even those losses came in finals in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 editions. Their winning percentage during this period stands at an incredible 92.1.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s match-winning masterclass

The ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 final against England was decided mainly by one unforgettable and dominating batting performance. Vaibhav Suryavanshi played a record-breaking knock of 175 to help India post a massive total of 411 for 9 in 50 overs.

And this target they defended with ease. England were bowl out for 311 runs, and the total runs scored by both teams in the match were 722, which is the highest ever in an ICC Under-19 World Cup final. RS Ambrish was the standout bowler for India Under-19 with three wickets.

Mhatre gives full credit to Vaibhav in the viral dressing room moment

After the historic triumph, a special moment from the Indian dressing room caught everyone’s attention. During the celebrations, Vaibhav was live on Instagram and walked up to Captain Mhatre to ask how he felt after becoming the sixth captain to win the Under-19 World Cup.

The young captain replied in a fun way, folding his hands and giving all the credit to Vaibhav, which made everyone laugh. The clip quickly went viral and won hearts on social media.

Ayush Mhatre- Jo bhi Vaibhav ki wajah se hai

Gen Z doesn't buy diplomatic answers
pic.twitter.com/I5vfI2b5OW

— Space Recorder (@1spacerecorder) February 7, 2026

However, at the post-match presentation, the young captain showered rich praise on his teammate. Mhatre told reporters, “We have no words for Vaibhav’s innings. We know he is a fabulous batsman, and he's shown in this match what he can do.”

Read Also: Virat Kohli camp lobbies hard for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s senior India call-up

Ayush Mhatre recreates Rohit Sharma’s iconic World Cup victory moments

Meanwhile, Ayush Mhatre also recreated his idol and former Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s iconic selfie after their 2024 T20 World Cup final victory over South Africa. In his Instagram post, Rohit was seen waking up in bed with the World Cup trophy and his winner's medal beside him.

This was the big hit on social media at that time. Now, Mhatre did the same as the captain, posing with the Under-19 World Cup trophy on his bed. He was also seen posing with the national flag, just like Rohit did in Barbados after the historic World Cup victory.

AYUSH MHATRE CONTINUING THE LEGACY OF HIS IDOL. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Yfe51snIBZ

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 7, 2026

Captain Ayush Mhatre waiving the Indian flag. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/nZ4AnX7lnc

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 6, 2026

Mhatre proud to carry India’s World Cup legacy forward

Mhatre was also proud to carry forward India’s winning legacy. He was happy to follow leaders like Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur, who guided India to World Cup wins in 2024 and 2025, and felt honoured to add his name to that success story.

The youngster said, “We just wanted to carry forward the legacy. Rohit Sharma won the World Cup, and Harmanpreet also, and now we have won it. No words for the support staff, the way they have hustled for the last many months.”

Notably, Mhatre also had a solid tournament himself. In seven matches, he scored 214 runs with three half-centuries and also contributed with the ball, taking seven wickets.