India’s next generation of cricketers will get a chance to make their mark against Australia as the Men’s Selection Committee has announced the Under-19 squads for the upcoming home series. Among the notable names are Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid, sons of former India stars Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid respectively.
Both youngsters have been selected for the three-match 50-over series against Australia Under-19. However, they will not feature in the two four-day multi-day fixtures that follow the white-ball matches.
The selections have naturally attracted attention because of their famous cricketing surnames, but the upcoming series will ultimately provide both players with an opportunity to build their own identities at the junior international level.
Leadership duties split across formats
Lakshya Raichandani has been appointed captain for the One-Day series, with Yashbardhan Chauhan serving as his deputy. The leadership roles will then be reversed for the multi-day fixtures, with Chauhan taking charge and Raichandani becoming vice-captain.
The arrangement gives both players valuable leadership responsibility across different formats and reflects the selectors’ intention to assess a wider group of young cricketers.
The three One-Day games and the opening multi-day fixture will be played in Rajkot, while Ahmedabad will host the second four-day contest.
Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid part of white-ball setup
Aaryavir’s inclusion is one of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement. The young batter carries the Sehwag name, which is synonymous with aggressive batting and memorable performances for India.
Anvay, meanwhile, has also earned his place in the One-Day group as a wicketkeeper-batter. His selection continues the cricketing legacy associated with the Dravid family, although the young player will now look to establish himself through his own performances.
The decision to select both players only for the 50-over fixtures also means they will have a specific opportunity to impress in the shorter format.
India U19 one-day squad
Lakshya Raichandani (C), Yashbardhan Chauhan (VC), Rajat Baghel (WK), Aaryavir Sehwag, V.K. Vineet, Kushagra Ojha, Arjun Rajput, Manal Chauhan, Anvay Dravid (WK), V. Yashveer, Rohit Yadav, Shavin Vinodh, Mohit Ulva, Chigurupati Venkata and Kavya Patel.
India U19 multi-day squad
Yashbardhan Chauhan (C), Lakshya Raichandani (VC), Sagar Virk, Kushagra Ojha, Manal Chauhan, Kush Patel, Manav Krishna (WK), Abhipray Biswas (WK), Rohit Yadav, Ishan Om, Ayaan Akram, Pranav Ragavendra, Priyanshu Singh, Mohit Ulva and Aryan Yadav.
Australia series offers important test
The Australia U19 tour presents an important development opportunity for India’s young players. Facing a strong Australian side at home will allow the squad members to experience competitive cricket while selectors assess players who could form the core of India’s future age-group setup.
For Aaryavir and Anvay, the spotlight will inevitably be greater because of their fathers’ illustrious careers. Their challenge, however, will be to let their cricket do the talking. The three One-Day matches could provide an early platform for both youngsters to show that they are ready to step out of their famous family shadows.
