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Aryan Sharma fulfilled his 2018 dream inspired by Virat Kohli, debuting for Australia U-19 against India.
Aryan Sharma, a 17-year-old who considers Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli as his “inspiration,” sent Kohli a message in 2018, expressing his aspiration to play for Australia in 2025. His dream came true as he lined up for Australia’s U-19 team against India in the first youth ODI of a three-match series on Sunday.
Aryan arrived at the Boxing Day Test in 2018 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as an 11-year-old with a dream and a sign. Seven years later, his dream became reality when he was named in the final XI of the Australian U-19 team against India in Brisbane. The match Aryan watched was the one where Virat Kohli dazzled on the crease, scoring 82 in the first innings, setting the stage for India’s memorable 137-run victory.
“In 2018, at just 11 years old, I went to the Boxing Day Test with a poster that said, Virat, you are my inspiration. Watch me play for Australia in 2025. I don’t know why I chose that year, but it was my dream. Now in 2025, through God’s grace, the support of my family and years of hard work, I have been selected for the Australia U-19 team,” Aryan was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
What Did Aryan Sharma Do On His Debut?
During his debut appearance for Australia, Aryan scored 10 off 14 deliveries, including a boundary, before being dismissed by Kanishk Chouhan. With the ball, Aryan bowled a four-over spell, conceding 36 runs at an economy rate of 9.00 without taking a wicket.
India U-19 secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over Australia U-19 in the first youth ODI, led by Abhigyan Kundu’s unbeaten 87. After winning the toss and opting to bat, Australia struggled to 225/9, thanks to John James’s fireworks toward the end with an unbeaten 77 off 68 balls.
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi showed glimpses of his potential with a swift 32 off 28, but skipper Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra failed to make the desired impact. Abhigyan Kundu took centre stage with a swashbuckling unbeaten 87. Vedant Trivedi played a supporting role with his composed 61 off 69 deliveries, steering the tourists to a commanding victory.
(With inputs from ANI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
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