Aaron George continued his impressive run in the U-19 Asia Cup with a steady knock against Pakistan to emerge as India’s best batsman on a challenging day in Dubai on Sunday, December 14. Although the 19-year-old fell short of the century he deserved, his 85 off 88 balls underlined his growing importance in India’s U19 batting line-up.
On a day when India lost their established big hitters early – Vaibhav Suryavanshi for five and skipper Ayush Mhatre for 38 – George stood firm, showing maturity and control against a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack. His innings, which included boundaries of 6 and 12, was built on timing rather than brute force, allowing India to recover from a precarious position.
IND vs PAK, U19 Asian Cup: Update
George first added 49 runs with Mhatra before putting on a crucial 60-run partnership with Abhigyan Kundu for the fifth wicket. That stand helped India stabilize after slipping to 113 for four and prevented further damage against an aggressive pace attack led by Mohammad Sayyam and Ali Raza.
Unlike Suryavanshi or Mhatre, George did not rely on explosive move play. Instead, his innings featured high swing, fluid footwork and an ability to find gaps in the pitch. Comparisons quickly followed on social media, with fans drawing parallels between George’s stroke and Sanju Samson’s, particularly his ability to time the ball cleanly without resorting to stomping.
George’s innings ended when Pakistan fast bowler Abdul Subhan tested him with a bouncer. Attempting an uncharacteristic lift – his first visibly unorthodox shot of the innings – the right-hander was caught in the cover region, ending the knock that had anchored India’s middle overs. Screengrab by X
The dismissal denied George a maiden century against Pakistan, but it marked his second consecutive fifty-plus score in the tournament. He had earlier scored a fluent 69 off 73 balls in India’s tournament opener against the UAE, where India piled up a massive 433, powered by Suryavanshi’s record 171.
George’s performances continue a steady rise in India’s lower ranks. The Hyderabad batsman, who was born in Kerala, captained the side that won the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, a significant achievement given the state’s limited history of domestic silverware. Hyderabad’s triumph ended a 38-year wait for a major age-group title.
A consistent scorer, George amassed 341 and 373 runs in the last two Vinoo Mankad Trophy seasons, making him Hyderabad’s most reliable batsman at the Under-19 level. His leadership skills were further underlined when he was named India-B captain for the Under-19 triangular series at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru earlier this year.
FATHER – A PILLAR OF SUPPORT. ABD – IDOL
George’s rise is due to strong family support, especially from his father Easo Varghese, who aspired to become a cricketer himself but was unable to pursue the sport professionally due to lack of support. Easo played league cricket before working with the police and later moved to the corporate sector, prioritizing his son’s development, according to The Hindu.
Aaron George, who likes to play table tennis and basketball, adores AB de Villiers.
“His range, the ability to hit any ball anywhere, that’s the ultimate skill. Having more than two responses to a particular ball, that’s what takes you higher. I really like his composure on the field. He doesn’t want to fight and he’s a real gentleman when it comes to cricket,” he said.
George has been on the selectors’ radar since the 2022–23 Vijay Merchant Trophy when he scored an unbeaten 303 against Bihar, an innings that generated considerable attention from the Hyderabad Cricket Association. Since then, his progress has been characterized by consistency rather than sudden leaps.
With two substantial contributions already in the Asia Cup, George has cemented his position as one of India’s most reliable under-19 batsmen. While a century against Pakistan eluded him, his innings again highlighted a player capable of absorbing pressure and batting deep – qualities that continue to set him apart from the next generation of Indian batting talent.
– The end
Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
December 14, 2025
