India U19 will play Afghanistan U19 in the second semi-final of the U19 Asia Cup.
This was Aaryavir’s first century for India U19, which helped India win by 70 runs and set up a clash with the Afghanistan U19 team in the semis on November 12.
After his match-winning innings, Aaryavir spoke about how talks with his father have influenced the way he approaches batting. He mentioned that although Virender Sehwag would hum songs while at the crease, he has found his own method of blocking out distractions by chanting 'Sita Ram' during his innings.
Aaryavir stated that his father regularly discusses the mental aspects of batting with him and stresses the value of remaining in the present instead of fretting over how an innings will turn out. Virender, one of India's most destructive opening batters, dealt with pressure in his own unique manner.
Aaryavir, for his part, has found reassurance in repeating the names of Sita and Ram in his mind each time he is at the crease.
"When I talk to my father about the mental aspect of batting, he tells me something that helps me stay in the present moment. He often sings, so there should be some kind of reset button that keeps you focused on the present.
So, when I'm batting, I keep repeating 'Sita Ram' in my mind so that no other thoughts come in. I focus only on the ball. Then, depending on where the ball lands, I play my shot. I just try to react to the ball rather than think about what I should do in a particular situation, or whether I should score a fifty or a hundred,” Aaryavir said in a video shared by ACC media.
Aaryavir also disclosed that he had promised his father a high tournament score during their conversation the night before. That potential was made even more memorable by his debut hundred for India in Youth ODIs.
"The plan was simply to bat for 45 overs. The coaches had also told me to stay there for as long as I could. Initially, when I played dot balls, I didn't mind because I had the belief that I would cover that later. I'm glad I could get a big score and help India win," he said.
The youngster admitted that praise from his father means a lot to him, partly because Virender does not hand out compliments too often. Aaryavir also disclosed that he had promised his father a high tournament score during their conversation the night before.
"Whenever he texts me saying 'well played' after a good knock, it means more to me than anything else. It's a big moment for me, and I've always loved it when my dad praises my batting because he doesn't do that very often. Whether I score a hundred or not, he doesn't praise me much.
So, I hope he's happy, and I hope my mom is happy too. She expresses her emotions well. I hope my dad is happy and proud of me as well," he added.
Despite a huge score of 160, Aaryavir stated that he was quick to point out that he wasn’t satisfied with the progress. He said he has ambition and dreams of playing in the India senior team and hopes consistent performances in age group cricket will help him realize his dream sooner.
“But it's a long journey, and I'm not satisfied. I'm not done with my cricket yet. I'm looking forward to scoring many more hundreds and winning many more matches. I want to wear the senior Indian team badge. Hopefully, when I wear the senior Indian team badge, my father will be able to praise me openly. Until then, the hard work will continue," Aaryavir signed off.
India will play Afghanistan in the second semi-final on November 12, while Pakistan will clash with Bangladesh in the first semi-final. The final of the U19 Asia Cup will be played on November 14.