Two of Indian cricket’s most recognisable surnames are back in the spotlight, this time through the next generation. Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid, sons of former India captains Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid respectively, have been named in India’s Under-19 one-day squad for the upcoming home series against Australia Under-19.
The selection has immediately attracted attention because of the cricketing legacy attached to both youngsters. While their famous fathers built celebrated careers at the international level, Aaryavir and Anvay now have an opportunity to make their own mark in India colours at the junior level.
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Lakshya Raichandani will captain India Under-19 in the three-match one-day series, with Yashbardhan Chauhan named vice-captain. The leadership roles will be reversed for the multi-day fixtures, with Yashbardhan taking charge and Raichandani serving as his deputy.
Anvay Dravid is not a new face in the India Under-19 setup. He was part of the team that toured Sri Lanka in July and produced an impressive performance in the second one-day match, scoring 87. The wicketkeeper-batter is one of two designated wicketkeeping options in the one-day squad, alongside Rajat Baghel.
Aaryavir Sehwag has also been included in the 15-member one-day squad, which features a mix of players who impressed during India Under-19’s recent tour of Sri Lanka and others looking to establish themselves at the international junior level.
The three one-day matches against Australia Under-19 will be played on September 18, 21 and 23. The series will then be followed by two multi-day fixtures, with the first scheduled from September 27 to 30 and the second from October 5 to 8.
Most of the matches will be played in Rajkot, while the second four-day fixture will take place in Ahmedabad.
Much of the spotlight, however, will be on Raichandani, who enters the Australia series in outstanding form. He was India Under-19’s leading run-scorer during the two-match Youth Test series in Sri Lanka, accumulating 307 runs at a remarkable average of 153.50.
Raichandani scored a huge 207 in Galle before following it up with an unbeaten century in Colombo. He has also already featured in four first-class matches for Uttarakhand, scoring 223 runs, including three half-centuries.
Yashbardhan was another strong performer in Sri Lanka, contributing 201 runs across the two Youth Tests while also taking six wickets. Sagar Virk, Manal Chauhan and Kushagra Ojha also made significant contributions with the bat.
The India Under-19 one-day squad includes Raichandani, Yashbardhan, Rajat Baghel, Aaryavir Sehwag, VK Vineet, Kushagra Ojha, Arjun Rajput, Manal Chauhan, Anvay Dravid, V Yashveer, Rohit Yadav, Shavin Vinodh, Mohit Ulva, Chigurupati Venkata and Kavya Patel.
With two legendary Indian cricket surnames among the selections, the Australia series could provide an intriguing glimpse into the next generation of talent hoping to follow in the footsteps of their illustrious fathers.
