NEW DELHI: India’s Under-19 batter Arjun Rajput came to his team’s rescue with a brilliant century against Pakistan in the U-19 Asia Cup on Sunday. The youngster from Jalandhar showed great composure when India were struggling at 22/3 after choosing to bat first at the Ministry Turf 1.Rajput walked in at No. 5, with the team desperately needing a partnership. However, Aaryavir Sehwag, son of former India opener Virender Sehwag, could score only 22 off 40 balls. Anvay Dravid, son of former India captain and coach Rahul Dravid, also failed to make a significant contribution.With wickets falling at the other end, Rajput took responsibility and played attacking cricket. He used sweeps against spinners and played aerial shots against fast bowlers to put pressure back on Pakistan.He scored 107 off 85 balls, hitting 11 fours and five sixes, before getting dismissed. His innings helped India reach 208 before being bowled out in 46.3 overs.
Who is Arjun Rajput?
The 18-year-old from Jalandhar, Punjab, received his first call-up to India’s Under-19 team in July this year. He had an impressive run in the 2026-27 Under-19 Vinoo Mankad Trophy, where he scored 695 runs in eight innings and helped Punjab win the title. He also scored an unbeaten 55 off 33 balls in the final.Rajput had earlier made headlines playing for Ludhiana Lions in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 Cup, where he smashed 78 off just 46 balls against Mohali.Cricket runs in his passion, but his family background is a humble one.The youngster’s journey to the India U-19 team has been shaped by years of hard work and family sacrifices. His father, Hoti Ram, initially earned a living by selling chhole-kulche from a roadside cart in Jalandhar.He later moved to a small bakery, from where he continues to prepare and deliver kulchas.Speaking about his son’s journey, he told NDTV Sports, “I have been making kulchas for many years. Arjun has been playing cricket since the age of five years. He is very talented and hardworking.”Rajput began training at the Harbhajan Singh Cricket Academy before continuing his development under coach Vikram Sidhu.He also contributed with the ball against Nepal in India’s tournament opener, taking three wickets for just eight runs.
