The next generation of famous Indian cricketers has moved another gear.
Virender Sehwag’s son Aaryavir Sehwag and Rahul Dravid’s son Anvay Dravid have both been selected in India’s Under-19 team for the forthcoming series against Australia. Aaryavir made his first U19 call-up while Anvay continues to be in the team after having represented India on the recent tour of Sri Lanka.
The two young cricketers will be part of India's squad for the three-match Under-19 one-day series against Australia. The series will start on September 18.
Aaryavir and Anvay will play only in the ODI squad. The selectors have announced separate teams for three one-day games and two multi-day games.
Aaryavir Sehwag gets his first India U19 call-Up
For 18-year-old Aaryavir Sehwag, the selection is a very important one in his young cricket career.
The right-handed batter is with the West Delhi Lions in the Delhi Premier League and has continued to develop his game at the domestic level. His performances have now got him his first call-up to the India Under-19 team.
Aaryavir has also come to the attention because of his aggressive batting style that often reminds people of his father, Virender Sehwag. But he will finally be able to create his own name in Indian cricket.
The selection also brings back memories of the time when Aaryavir and Anvay faced each other in age-group cricket. The sons of Sehwag and Dravid have been part of India’s junior cricket system for several years.
Aaryavir previously represented Delhi at the Under-16 level, while Anvay played for Karnataka. The two even faced each other during the Vijay Merchant Trophy in 2023.
Now, both players will wear the India colours together at the Under-19 level.
Anvay Dravid retains his place in India U19 team.
Although Aaryavir got his first call-up, 17-year-old Anvay Dravid remains in India's Under-19 ODI team.
Anvay, who is a wicketkeeper-batter, was part of the Indian U19 team that toured Sri Lanka last month. He played two Youth ODIs during that tour and scored 14 and 87.
His selection for the Australia series is another opportunity for him to get experience at the international junior level.
Anvay is Rahul Dravid’s younger son. Like his father, he has developed through the domestic cricket system and has already played at different age-group levels.
However, being the son of one of India’s greatest batters will naturally bring extra attention. The same goes for Aaryavir, whose father Virender Sehwag was one of India’s most aggressive opening batters.
For both young players, the challenge will be to focus on their own cricket rather than the names they carry.
Lakshya Raichandani will lead the India U19 ODI team, with Yashbardhan Chauhan as the vice-captain. Aaryavir Sehwag and Anvay Dravid are among 15 players selected for the one-day matches.
The three ODI matches will take place in Rajkot, while the two multi-day games will be played in Rajkot and Ahmedabad.
The selectors have also picked a separate squad for the multi-day matches. Yashbardhan Chauhan will lead that team, with Lakshya Raichandani as his deputy. Neither Aaryavir nor Anvay is present in the multi-day squad.
Aaryavir's Australia series will be his first chance in junior international cricket to represent India. Now he must make the most of the chance to show that he belongs at this level.
For Anvay, it is to build on his recent experience with the India U19 side and continue developing as a wicketkeeper-batter.
The selection of the two players has naturally attracted attention because of their famous fathers. Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid were two of the best batters of their generation, but their sons have a chance to create their own cricketing stories.
There is also a long way to go before either player reaches senior international cricket. Selection at the Under-19 level does not guarantee a place in the senior India team.
For now, the focus will be on their performances against Australia.
For both the younger generation, the upcoming series may be a good learning opportunity. Aaryavir will make his India U19 debut, while Anvay will attempt to solidify his place in the team.
With two famous cricketing families closely following the team’s performance on the field, all eyes will be on the next generation when India U19 takes on Australia.
