Whenever a Malayali finds a place in the Indian team, it has often proved to be a good omen in World Cups. From Sunil Valson in 1983, to Sreesanth in 2011, and Sanju Samson in the 2024 T20 World Cup, the tradition has continued. Now, as India lifts their sixth Under-19 World Cup title, there is once again a Malayali presence in the squad — Aaron George Varghese, son of Easho Varghese and Preethi Varghese.

Though Aaron was born in Kerala, he was brought up in Hyderabad. His father, a former sub-inspector in the Hyderabad Police, had cricket running through his veins. However, with no guidance or pathway to professional cricket during his own playing days, that dream remained unfulfilled. Determined that his son should not face the same fate, Easho made a life-altering decision; he quit his police job and shifted to the corporate sector to fully support Aaron’s cricketing ambitions.

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That sacrifice soon bore fruit. Aaron announced himself on the Indian domestic circuit by smashing a triple century for Hyderabad against Bihar in the Vijay Merchant Trophy. The knock catapulted him into national reckoning, and the very next year, he earned a call-up to the India Under-19 team. In 2024, when Hyderabad lifted the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, Aaron led the side as captain, underlining his growing stature.

At the Under-19 World Cup, Aaron emerged as India’s dependable middle-order batter, the anchor during the crucial middle overs. While aggressive batters like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre provided fireworks, Aaron ensured stability and momentum, playing the role India needed most.

Interestingly, Aaron got his opportunity only after the first two matches of the tournament. He was tried as an opener alongside Vaibhav, and while the early outings were modest, he rose magnificently when it mattered the most. In the semi-final against Afghanistan, Aaron led from the front with a sensational century, guiding India to a historic win.

His knock of 115 runs off 104 balls not only sealed the match but also became the second-highest individual score by an Indian in an Under-19 World Cup knockout match. Powered by Aaron’s brilliance, India chased down a massive target of 311 runs with 8.5 overs and seven wickets to spare, the highest successful run chase in Under-19 World Cup history.