Arjun Rajput
NEW DELHI: India’s Under-19 batter Arjun Rajput came to his team’s rescue with a brilliant century against Pakistan in the U-19 Asia Cup on Sunday. The youngster from Jalandhar showed great composure when India were struggling at 22/3 after choosing to bat first at the Ministry Turf 1. 5, with the team desperately needing a partnership. However, Aaryavir Sehwag, son of former India opener Virender Sehwag , could score only 22 off 40 balls. He scored 107 off 85 balls, hitting 11 fours and five sixes, before getting dismissed. His innings helped India reach 208 before being bowled out in 46.3 overs. The 18-year-old from Jalandhar, Punjab, received his first call-up to India’s Under-19 team in July this year. He had an impressive run in the 2026-27 Under-19 Vinoo Mankad Trophy, where he scored 695 runs in eight innings and helped Punjab win the title. He also scored an unbeaten 55 off 33 balls in the final. Rajput had earlier made headlines playing for Ludhiana Lions in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 Cup, where he smashed 78 off just 46 balls against Mohali. The youngster’s journey to the India U-19 team has been shaped by years of hard work and family sacrifices.
Rajput walked in at No. Anvay Dravid, son of former India captain and coach Rahul Dravid , also failed to make a significant contribution. His father, Hoti Ram, initially earned a living by selling chhole-kulche from a roadside cart in Jalandhar. He also contributed with the ball against Nepal in India’s tournament opener, taking three wickets for just eight runs.