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Varun Aaron's Advice to U19 Cricketers: Be Yourself, These Years Never Return

Former India fast bowler Varun Aaron has urged Under-19 cricketers to play with freedom and express their natural game, emphasizing that these formative years are unique and never return. His comments come as the India U19 team prepares in South Africa for the upcoming World Cup, commencing on January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia. India, the most successful side with five titles, will open its campaign against the USA in Group A. The tournament structure involves a group stage, Super Six round, and knockout semi-finals and final in early February.

Key Points: Varun Aaron on U19 World Cup: "These Years Never Come Back"

  • Express yourself with freedom
  • Pressure exists at all levels
  • Coaches encourage natural game
  • Series vs SA is key preparation
  • India aims for record 6th title
2 min read

Under-19 years never come back, they should simply be themselves, says Varun Aaron

Former India pacer Varun Aaron advises U19 cricketers to express themselves freely ahead of the World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Get key insights.

"Those Under-19 years never come back, so this is the stage where they should simply be themselves. - Varun Aaron"

New Delhi, Jan 5

Former India pacer Varun Aaron said the Under-19 cricketers should simply be themselves in preparation for the upcoming U19 Men's Cricket World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia, adding that these years never come back in anyone's life.

"Under-19 cricket is about expressing yourself. There is always pressure to perform at any level, even from Under-14s, but the coaches with this group just want the boys to play with freedom and show their natural game on the field. Those Under-19 years never come back, so this is the stage where they should simply be themselves," Aaron said on JioStar.

The India U19 men's side are currently playing the second Youth ODI against South Africa at the Willowmoore Park in Benoni, after winning the opening game of the series by 25 runs (via DLS Method). The three-game series is a part of their preparation for the mega event commencing on January 15.

Skipper Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra are not a part of the tour of South Africa due to wrist injuries, but will return in time for the U19 World Cup. India will open their U19 World Cup campaign against Group A opponents USA in Bulawayo, before facing New Zealand and Bangladesh in the league stage. India have been the most successful side in Men's U19 World Cup with a record five titles.

The 16th edition of the 2026 Men's Under-19 World Cup will feature 16 teams divided into four groups of four each. Every side will play the other three teams in its group during the opening round, with the top three progressing to the Super Six stage.

The leading four teams from there will qualify for the semi-finals to be played on February 3 and 4 in Bulawayo and Harare, while the final is scheduled to be played at the Harare Sports Club on February 6.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I love watching the U-19 World Cup. It's so pure. No mega IPL contracts yet, just raw passion for the game. Hope they enjoy every moment in Zimbabwe.
V
Vikram M
Good advice, but easier said than done. The spotlight is huge. Every performance is scrutinized for future IPL potential. The system needs to protect them and let them learn, not just produce ready-made stars.
P
Priya S
So true! These years are magical. No responsibilities, just cricket and friendship. The bonds they make here last a lifetime. Wishing Ayush and Vihaan a speedy recovery! The team needs you. 💙
R
Rohit P
Five-time champions! Let's make it six. The pressure to uphold that legacy is itself huge. But Aaron bhaiya has a point - play your natural game, the results will follow. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while "being yourself" is good philosophy, at this level technical discipline is paramount. Hope the coaching staff is balancing freedom with solid fundamentals. We can't just rely on raw talent.

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