70% of it is common sense when it comes to captaining: Aaron

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 gets underway at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Monday.

His father Easo had a huge role to play in his interest in the game early on.

“I got a plastic bat on one of my birthdays when I was very young. Obviously, as a kid, you get a toy and you want to play with it. So, I took my dad out to the lawn and he bowled a couple of balls to me and I really loved playing them. And it just became a habit for me and dad,” the Hyderabad-based batter told the The Hindu.

Easo was active in league cricket, but never found support to pursue the game professionally. He worked with the police before switching to a corporate job to give his son’s growing interest in cricket more time. His mother Preeti – a post-graduate in mathematics – ensured Aaron’s grades never fell.

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. I really like his composure on the field. He is not looking to have a fight and is a real gentleman when it comes to cricket.”

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.

Sport is well ingrained into Aaron’s life. “I play a lot of other sports like table tennis and basketball. It’s all about the sports culture for me. I love competing.”

Aaron’s major stressbusters are his two dogs, Mike and Charlie, who keep him occupied in the rare moments where he isn’t thinking and working towards a goal.

“Since my sister and I are away from home all the time, my parents – who love dogs – got both of them to keep them company. There’s a very happy vibe in the house. I definitely recommend getting a pet to anyone and everyone.”