Malayali batter Aaron celebrates U-19 Asia Cup selection by heading straight to practice

Following in the footsteps of star Malayali cricketers Sanju Samson and Karun Nair, another Keralite has made his way into the Indian U-19 cricket team— this time from Hyderabad. Aaron George Varghese, the 19-year-old right-handed batter who captained the Hyderabad U-19 side that won the Vinoo Mankad trophy, has been selected for the Indian squad for the U-19 Asia Cup.

"It feels great, honestly. But I know it’s also a big responsibility, and I can’t wait to do well for India," Aaron told Onmanorama. Asked about being the only Malayali in the squad, Aaron said he takes pride in that distinction. "Being a Hyderabad Mallu is a great thing," he added.

Aaron was the top scorer for the Hyderabad side that clinched the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, the first in the team’s history. His strong showing in the tournament earned him a place in the Challengers Trophy, which eventually paved the way for his India call-up.

"For me, I like to take everything game by game. I want to be myself on the pitch and approach each match as if it's Day One," Aaron said. He added that he was thrilled when he first heard about his selection.

"I was really excited and needed some time to process it. But once the news sinks in, the only thing left to do is get ready. So I went straight to practice," Aaron said. The Indian U-19 camp will begin on December 5 in Bengaluru, after which the team will fly to Dubai for the Asia Cup, which will begin on December 12.

The Indian U-19 team will be led by Ayush Mhatre, the 18-year-old Mumbai cricketer who plays for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. The squad also features teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

Aaron said his sole focus is on helping the team lift the trophy. "It’s not always about individuals. We’re playing as one unit, and everyone understands that. At the end of the day, delivering the cup for India is all that matters," he said.

Asked about his aspirations of earning a call-up to the Indian senior or U-23 teams, Aaron said he is not thinking that far ahead. "Right now, my focus is only on the Asia Cup. I haven’t thought about anything else," he said.

Aaron has scored 373 runs, including two centuries — 111 against Himachal Pradesh and an unbeaten 112 against Chhattisgarh — for Hyderabad this season. Earlier, a triple century at the U-16 level had helped cement his place in the U-19 squad.

A fan of South African great AB de Villiers, Aaron said he is working hard to get his performances right. "I just want to contribute 100 per cent to the team," he added.