Father hums songs, son Aaryavir Sehwag sings Sita Ram on way to hundred

Virender Sehwag’s son Aaryavir revealed that he chanted the names of Sita and Ram on his way to his maiden hundred for India in youth ODIs. Aaryavir, who is opening the batting for India in the 2026 Asia Under-19 Cup, played a sensational knock of 160 runs to lead India to a convincing win against the UAE.

It was an important win for India who suffered a big setback against Pakistan earlier in the tournament and needed to get back to winning ways in the tricky conditions of Al Amerat.

After losing the toss, Aaryavir was sent in to bat and had to dig into the crease and see off the new ball. He gradually picked up the pace and turned a patient start into an impressive 160 runs, the highest individual score in the tournament this season.

After his match-winning knock, Aaryavir revealed how conversations with his father shaped his approach to batting. He said that while Virender Sehwag hummed songs at the crease, he developed his own way of avoiding distractions by singing “Sita Ram” while batting.

SEHWAG INSPIRED BATTLING ROUTINE

Aaryavir said his father often talks to him about the mental side of batting and the importance of staying in the present rather than worrying about the outcome of an innings.

Virender, one of India’s most devastating batsmen, had his own way of dealing with pressure. Aaryavir, meanwhile, has found solace in repeating the names of Sita and Ram whenever he is in the crease.

“When I talk to my dad about the mental aspect of batting, he tells me something that helps me stay in the moment. He often sings, so there should be some sort of reset button to keep you focused on the present,” Aaryavir said.

“So when I’m batting, I keep repeating ‘Sita Ram’ in my head so that I don’t have any other thoughts. I just focus on the ball. Depending on where the ball lands, then I play my shot. I just try to react to the ball rather than thinking about what I should do in a particular situation or whether I should score a fifty or a hundred.”

This approach seemed to work wonderfully against the UAE. Aaryavir was initially happy to spend time at the crease and settle before picking up speed as the innings progressed.

He revealed that he had also spoken to his father the night before and promised him a big score in the tournament. His first hundred for India in youth ODIs made that promise even more special.

“The plan was simply to bat for 45 overs. The coaches also told me to stay there as long as possible. Initially, when I bowled dot balls, I didn’t mind because I believed I would cover it later. I am happy that I could get a big score and help India win,” he said.

DADDY DOESN’T PRAISE ME OFTEN: AARYAVIR

For Aaryavir, the hundred was not just another milestone. After promising his father that he would score in the tournament, he was keen to see how the former Indian opener would react to his innings.

The youngster admitted that the praise from his father means a lot to him, partly because Virender doesn’t give out compliments very often.

“Whenever he says ‘well played’ after a good tap, it means more to me than anything else. It’s a big moment for me and I’ve always loved it when dad praises my bat because he doesn’t do that very often. Whether I make a hundred or not, he doesn’t praise me much,” Aaryavir said.

He also hoped that his mother, who is more expressive in her emotions, would be happy about his success.

“So I hope he’s happy and I hope my mum is happy too. She expresses her emotions well. I hope my dad is happy too and proud of me,” he added.

MANY HUNDREDS MORE

Despite scoring 160 to help India return to winning ways, Aaryavir was quick to point out that he was far from satisfied with his performance.

The youngster has bigger ambitions and his immediate dream is to get a place in the senior Indian team. He hopes his performances in age group cricket will eventually help him make that transition.

“But it’s a long way and I’m not satisfied. I’m not done with my cricket yet. I’m looking forward to score many more hundreds and win many more matches. I want to wear the badge of the senior Indian team,” he said.

And maybe this will be the moment when his father finally lets his guard down and praises him more openly.

“I hope when I wear the senior Indian team badge, my father will be able to openly praise me. Until then, the hard work will continue,” Aaryavir signed off.

– The end