India vs Afghanistan U19 Asia Cup Semi Final Live Updates: Can Aaryavir Sehwag Take India To The Final?

While Aaryavir Sehwag grabbed the headlines with the bat, Ishan Sood has quietly become one of India’s most exciting artists with the ball. The 17-year-old Punjab pacer took eight wickets in three matches, including four against the UAE. But there is a fascinating story behind these numbers. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Sood was largely shaped by his father Dheeraj, who even sold his clothing showroom to pursue his son’s cricketing journey.

Their approach to fast bowling was anything but conventional. For six to nine months, father and son worked on just one delivery, a good length aimed at the top of the stumps. They later spent another eight to nine months perfecting the swing and seam from the same spot. YouTube, Google and even ChatGPT became part of their learning process and helped them study bowling techniques, fitness and nutrition. Quite the cricket classroom!

(Photo: Instagram/Ishaan Sood)