Aaron George continued his spectacular run within the Below-19 Asia Cup with a composed knock towards Pakistan, rising as India’s standout batter on a difficult day in Dubai on Sunday, December 14. Though the 19-year-old fell wanting a well-deserved century, his 85 off 88 balls underlined his rising significance in India’s U19 batting line-up.
On a day when India misplaced their established big-hitters early — Vaibhav Suryavanshi for 5 and captain Ayush Mhatre for 38 — George stood agency, showcasing maturity and management towards a disciplined Pakistan bowling assault. His innings, which included a six and 12 boundaries, was constructed on timing quite than brute power, permitting India to recuperate from a precarious place.
IND vs PAK, U19 Asia Cup: Updates
George first added 49 runs with Mhatre earlier than stitching collectively a vital 60-run partnership with Abhigyan Kundu for the fifth wicket. That stand helped India stabilize after slipping to 113 for 4 and prevented additional injury towards an aggressive tempo assault led by Mohammad Sayyam and Ali Raza.
Not like Suryavanshi or Mhatre, George didn’t depend on explosive strokeplay. As an alternative, his innings was marked by a excessive bat carry, fluent footwork and the flexibility to seek out gaps throughout the sector. Social media comparisons shortly adopted, with followers drawing parallels between George’s strokeplay and that of Sanju Samson, notably his capacity to time the ball cleanly with out resorting to slogging.
George’s innings ended when Pakistan quick bowler Abdul Subhan examined him with a bouncer. Making an attempt an uncharacteristic heave — his first visibly unorthodox shot of the innings — the right-hander was caught within the cowl area, bringing an finish to a knock that had anchored India’s center overs.
The dismissal denied George a maiden century towards Pakistan, however it marked his second successive fifty-plus rating within the match. He had earlier struck a fluent 69 off 73 balls in India’s match opener towards the UAE, the place India piled up a large 433, powered by Suryavanshi’s record-breaking 171.
George’s performances are the continuation of a gentle rise by way of India’s junior ranks. The Hyderabad batter, who was born in Kerala, captained the facet that received the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, a big achievement given the state’s restricted historical past of home silverware. Hyderabad’s triumph ended a 38-year watch for a serious age-group title.
A constant run-scorer, George amassed 341 and 373 runs within the final two seasons of the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, establishing himself as Hyderabad’s most dependable batter on the under-19 degree. His management credentials have been additional underlined when he was named captain of India-B for the under-19 triangular collection on the BCCI Heart of Excellence in Bengaluru earlier this 12 months.
FATHER-PILLAR OF SUPPORT. ABD – IDOL
Behind George’s rise is robust household backing, notably from his father, Easo Varghese, who had aspired to turn into a cricketer himself however was unable to pursue the game professionally resulting from lack of help. Easo performed league cricket earlier than working with the police and later shifting to the company sector, prioritizing his son’s improvement, in keeping with The Hindu.
Aaron George, who enjoys enjoying desk tennis and basketball, idolises AB de Villiers.
,His vary, capacity to hit any ball wherever, that’s the final ability. Having greater than two responses for a specific ball, that’s what takes you greater. I actually like his composure on the sector. He’s not trying to have a struggle and is an actual gentleman in relation to cricket,” he mentioned.
George has been on the selectors’ radar for the reason that Vijay Service provider Trophy within the 2022–23 season, when he scored an unbeaten 303 towards Bihar, an innings that generated vital consideration inside the Hyderabad Cricket Affiliation. Since then, his development has been marked by consistency quite than sudden spikes.
With two substantial contributions already within the Asia Cup, George has strengthened his case as considered one of India’s most reliable Below-19 batters. Whereas the century towards Pakistan eluded him, his innings as soon as once more highlighted a participant able to absorbing stress and batting deep — qualities that proceed to set him aside in India’s subsequent technology of batting expertise.
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