Aaryavir Sehwag says big runs matter after India under-19 series in Rajkot

Aaryavir Sehwag spoke in Rajkot on September 24, 2026 about his India under-19 assignment against Australia, saying big runs matter after he failed to convert starts across three matches.

The 18-year-old, and son of former India batter Virender Sehwag, has had a brief taste of senior cricket with two appearances for West Delhi Lions in the Delhi Premier League, where he scored 24 runs; he said he does not want questions linked to his surname to affect his game.

Across the three under-19 fixtures in Rajkot he got starts but did not extend them, scoring 28 in the first game, being run out for 47 in the second and making 34 in the third. "I couldn’t build a big innings in all three matches, despite getting starts. In the final game, I got out trying to hit a six after a good start. So I was quite disappointed," Aaryavir told The Hindu.

Reflecting on what he needs to improve, he said: "I’ve learnt that you have to divide the game into different phases and build long innings if you want to score big runs. If you want to make a name and earn respect in the cricket fraternity, big runs matter," he added.

Aaryavir acknowledged the extra attention his surname brings and said opposition players sometimes try to use it against him; he reported that the Australians did so in Rajkot. On handling that pressure he quoted his father: "He has just told me to play freely as much as possible, not think about anything," Aaryavir said.

He described his influences and training environment, naming Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill as players he admires, and saying he trains under Raju Sharma and at Sehwag’s academy in R.K. Puram in New Delhi.

For his immediate focus he said he wants to keep his approach simple and clear-minded and prioritise shot selection: "I think shot selection is very important as a batter. The clearer I am in my mind, the better I can perform in matches," he said.