By Admin 
In its entire existence, Hyderabad had won only two domestic titles — Ranji Trophy triumphs in 1937-38 and 1986-87. After 38 years, another piece of silverware — the coveted Vinoo Mankad Trophy — was added to the trophy cabinet by a sprightly group of youngsters, led by 19-year-old Aaron George Varghese.
Aaron has had a steady but marked rise over the years. His run-scoring penchant and leadership have earned him the opportunity to lead India B in the Under-19 triangular series which will get underway at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Monday.
While growing up on the Indian staple cricketing diet of Sachin Tendulkar, Aaron found his idol in AB De Villiers.
“His range, ability to hit any ball anywhere, that is the ultimate skill. Having more than two responses for a particular ball, that is what takes you higher,” he told The Hindu.
With 341 and 373 runs in the last two seasons of the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, the right-handed opener has been Hyderabad’s most prolific scorer. He has been captaining teams since the Vijay Merchant Trophy in 2022-23, where an unbeaten 303 against Bihar got the selectors at the Hyderabad Cricket Association buzzing with excitement.
“I enjoy the challenge of captaincy, but I think 70 % of it is common sense when it comes to captaining a side well. All the answers are in front of you. You just need to look and understand what’s going on, and use your resources well.”
His eagerness to gather as much information as possible to ensure that he doesn’t put a foot wrong on the field has seen him spend his last few training sessions keeping an eye on his India B teammates. He is set to lead a side filled with some of the brightest up-and-coming players in the country — including Rahul Dravid’s younger son Anvay.