Father used to sing, son Aaryavir hummed Sita Ram on his way to hundred

Aaryavir Sehwag scored his first hundred for India in Youth ODIs on Tuesday, November 10. He revealed that during his match-winning innings of 160 against UAE, he was chanting the name of Sita Ram.Aaryavir Sehwag talks about his batting after sensational hundred. (Photo: PTI/SonyLiv)New Delhi,Nov 11, 2026 12:49 ISTVirender Sehwag's son Aaryavir has revealed that he chanted the names of Sita and Ram on his way to his first hundred for India in Youth ODIs. Aaryavir, who is opening the batting for India in the U19 Asia Cup 2026, played a sensational knock of 160 runs to guide India to a convincing win against the UAE.It was an important victory for India, who had suffered a big setback against Pakistan earlier in the tournament and needed to return to winning ways in the tricky conditions of Al Amerat.Sent in to bat after losing the toss, Aaryavir had to dig in at the crease and see off the new ball. He gradually picked up the pace, turning a patient start into a commanding innings of 160 runs, the highest individual score in the tournament this season.Speaking after his match-winning knock, Aaryavir revealed how conversations with his father have shaped his approach to batting. He said that while Virender Sehwag used to hum songs at the crease, he has developed his own way of shutting out distractions by chanting 'Sita Ram' while batting. SEHWAG INSPIRED BATTING ROUTINEAaryavir said his father often speaks to him about the mental side of batting and the importance of staying in the present rather than worrying about the outcome of an innings.Virender, one of India's most destructive opening batters, had his own way of dealing with pressure. Aaryavir, meanwhile, has found comfort in repeating the names of Sita and Ram in his mind whenever he is at the crease. "When I talk to my father about the mental aspect of batting, he tells me something that helps me stay in the present moment. He often sings, so there should be some kind of reset button that keeps you focused on the present," Aaryavir said."So, when I'm batting, I keep repeating 'Sita Ram' in my mind so that no other thoughts come in. I focus only on the ball. Then, depending on where the ball lands, I play my shot. I just try to react to the ball rather than think about what I should do in a particular situation, or whether I should score a fifty or a hundred."The approach appeared to work wonderfully against the UAE. Aaryavir was initially happy to spend time at the crease and allow himself to settle before accelerating as the innings progressed.He revealed that he had also spoken to his father the previous night and promised him a big score in the tournament. His first hundred for India in Youth ODIs made that promise even more special."The plan was simply to bat for 45 overs. The coaches had also told me to stay there for as long as I could. Initially, when I played dot balls, I didn't mind because I had the belief that I would cover that later. I'm glad I could get a big score and help India win," he said.DAD DOES NOT PRAISE ME OFTEN: AARYAVIRFor Aaryavir, the hundred was not just another milestone. Having promised his father that he would score big in the tournament, he was particularly keen to know how the former India opener would react to his innings.The youngster admitted that praise from his father means a lot to him, partly because Virender does not hand out compliments too often."Whenever he texts me saying 'well played' after a good knock, it means more to me than anything else. It's a big moment for me, and I've always loved it when my dad praises my batting because he doesn't do that very often. Whether I score a hundred or not, he doesn't praise me much," Aaryavir said.He also hoped that his mother, who is more expressive with her emotions, would be happy with his achievement."So, I hope he's happy, and I hope my mum is happy too. She expresses her emotions well. I hope my dad is happy and proud of me as well," he added.MANY MORE HUNDREDS TO GODespite scoring 160 and helping India return to winning ways, Aaryavir was quick to point out that he was far from satisfied with his progress.The youngster has bigger ambitions, with his immediate dream being to earn a place in the senior Indian team. He hopes that his performances in age-group cricket will eventually help him make that transition."But it's a long journey, and I'm not satisfied. I'm not done with my cricket yet. I'm looking forward to scoring many more hundreds and winning many more matches. I want to wear the senior Indian team badge," he said.And perhaps that will be the moment when his father finally lets his guard down and praises him more openly."Hopefully, when I wear the senior Indian team badge, my father will be able to praise me openly. Until then, the hard work will continue," Aaryavir signed off.- Ends