If you want to make a name, big runs matter: Aaryavir Sehwag

Being Virender Sehwag’s son means the questions will always follow. Aaryavir Sehwag knows that. What matters to him is not letting those questions get in the way of his cricket.

The 18-year-old had a taste of senior-level cricket, turning out in two matches for West Delhi Lions in the Delhi Premier League and scoring 24 runs.

Now, his first India under-19 assignment against Australia has given him enough to think about. He scored 28 in the first game, was run out for 47 in the second and got a start in the third before falling for 34.

“I couldn’t build a big innings in all three matches, despite getting starts. In the final game, I got out trying to hit a six after a good start. So I was quite disappointed,” Aaryavir told The Hindu.

“I’ve learnt that you have to divide the game into different phases and build long innings if you want to score big runs. If you want to make a name and earn respect in the cricket fraternity, big runs matter,” he added.

Aaryavir is clear about dealing with the attention that comes with his surname. He knows there will be days when opposition players try to use it against him. In Rajkot, the Australians did exactly that.

His father’s advice has been simple. “He has just told me to play freely as much as possible, not think about anything,” Aaryavir said.

A big fan of Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, Aaryavir trains under Raju Sharma and at Sehwag’s academy in R.K. Puram in New Delhi.

For him, the next step is to keep his mind clear and his batting simple. “I think shot selection is very important as a batter. The clearer I am in my mind, the better I can perform in matches,” he said.