Anvay Dravid and Aryavir Sehwag named in India squad for U19 Asia Cup

The sons of two of India’s most famous former batsmen will have an opportunity to make their mark on the international stage. Karnataka’s Anvay Dravid and Delhi’s Aaryavir Sehwag were on Friday named in India’s 15-member squad for the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asian Cup to be held in Muscat, Oman from November 5-14.

Anvay, son of former India captain and head coach Rahul Dravid, and Aaryavir, whose father Virender Sehwag was one of the most devastating opening batsmen of his generation, earned their places after impressive performances in the recently concluded Vinoo Mankad Trophy.

Both youngsters hit the headlines with towering hundreds in the domestic under-19 competition and offered a glimpse of their batting potential ahead of a major task in their development.

Seventeen-year-old Anvay produced one of the standout performances of the tournament when she smashed 151 off just 100 deliveries against Gujarat in early October. The the youngster consistently produced impact knocksflaunting his ability to score runs quickly in the closing overs.

The youngster also made an impression on the international stage at the beginning of this year. Against Sri Lanka in July’s youth ODI at Hambantota, he scored 87 off 67 deliveries, further cementing his reputation as a batsman in India’s age-group setup.

Meanwhile, Aaryavir made his case with an equally impressive performance for Delhi. The 19-year-old hit a magnificent 173 off 143 ball against Chandigarh at Vizianagaram in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, showcasing his ability to build a big innings.

India will be led by Lakshya Raichandani and Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan will be named vice-captain. Wicketkeeper Rajat Baghel is also in the squad along with Anvay, while VK Vineeth, Kushagra Ojha and Arjun Rajput are among the other batting options.

INDIA U19 SQUAD: Lakshya Raichandani (captain), Aaryavir Sehwag, VK Vineeth, Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan (vice-captain), Kushagra Ojha, Arjun Rajput, Manal Chauhan, Anvay Dravid (goalkeeper), Rajat Baghel (goalkeeper), V. Yashveer, Aryan Vinyan Savvaatel, Isahan Sohod.

India were placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates. They will begin their campaign against Nepal on November 6 and face arch-rivals Pakistan on November 8. Their last game in the group stage will be against the UAE on November 10.

Group B consists of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Malaysia. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for November 12, with the final being played on November 14.

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