Aryaveer Sehwag, son of former India opener Virender Sehwag, has attracted considerable attention after delivering a remarkable performance in the Under-19 Asia Cup. The young batter scored an outstanding 160 against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), showcasing his batting ability on the age-group international stage. His impressive innings has also brought an old video featuring him interviewing India batting star Virat Kohli back into circulation on social media. In the footage, Kohli offers the youngster a piece of advice about believing in his own abilities.
Aryaveer produced his match-winning performance on Tuesday, 10 November, during India’s Under-19 Asia Cup encounter against the UAE at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground. Facing 168 deliveries, he scored 160 runs, hitting 17 fours and seven sixes. His commanding innings helped India secure a convincing 70-run victory.
Batting first, India posted 309 for seven in their allotted 50 overs. Aryaveer anchored the innings at the top of the order, combining patient batting with well-timed attacking strokes. Rather than taking unnecessary risks, he maintained his composure and ensured that India had a strong platform from which to build their total.
V K Vineet provided valuable support from the other end, scoring 67 runs. The pair put together an impressive 193-run partnership for the third wicket, which proved instrumental in taking India towards a challenging total. Aryaveer’s ability to remain at the crease and convert his start into a substantial score was a major feature of the innings.
Chasing a target of 310, the UAE struggled to establish momentum against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, making the required run rate increasingly difficult to manage.
Right-arm pacer Ishan Sud led the Indian bowling effort, claiming four wickets for 37 runs in seven overs. The remaining six Indian bowlers also contributed with a wicket apiece, demonstrating the effectiveness of the team’s collective approach. The UAE eventually managed 239 runs before being bowled out, falling 70 runs short of the target.
While Aryaveer’s performance dominated the discussion after the match, an old interaction with Kohli provided another talking point.
A video circulating on social media shows Aryaveer interviewing Kohli. During their conversation, the youngster recalls receiving an award from former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra when he was around 14 or 15 years old. He then asks Kohli how it felt when Nehra later played under his captaincy.
Kohli responds with a simple but memorable message: “That is why I say, always think that I can do it.”
The remark reflects Kohli’s emphasis on self-belief, a quality that has been central to his approach to professional cricket. His advice has attracted renewed interest following Aryaveer’s latest achievement, with the old footage gaining attention among cricket followers.
Aryaveer has naturally attracted interest because of his father’s celebrated cricketing career. Virender Sehwag was renowned for his fearless approach at the top of the order and his ability to dominate opposition bowling attacks. His aggressive style made him one of India’s most recognisable opening batters. However, Aryaveer’s recent performance suggests that the youngster is beginning to make his own impression through his performances rather than relying solely on his family name.
India’s victory over the UAE also secured their place in the semi-finals of the Under-19 Asia Cup. The eight-time champions finished second in Group A, having won two of their three matches. Pakistan topped the group after defeating India in their group-stage encounter, while India also recorded a victory over Nepal.
India are scheduled to face Afghanistan Under-19 in the semi-finals on Thursday. The upcoming fixture will provide another opportunity for the young Indian side to demonstrate its strength as it pursues the tournament title.
Following his outstanding 160 against the UAE, Aryaveer is likely to attract particular attention in the next match. For the youngster, the immediate challenge will be to maintain his form and translate his impressive group-stage performance into another valuable contribution in the knockout stage.
