UAE U-19 Cricketer Aryan Saxena Dreams of Taking Rohit Sharma’s Wicket

Delhi-Born Cricketer Aryan Saxena Dreams of Taking Rohit Sharma’s Wicket

Indore: Delhi-born cricketer Aryan Saxena has slowly and steadily climbed the ranks in UAE cricket. After relocating, Aryan has already played for the UAE Under-19 team and is now eyeing a place in the senior team.

Early Beginnings in Delhi

Aryan, born in Delhi, started playing the sport for fun but soon decided to make it a profession. “Basically, I’m from Delhi in India and initially I used to play the sport just for fun. Slowly, I started to gain more interest in the game, so I told my parents about it, and they got me enrolled in one of the academies in Delhi. We used to play with a tennis ball there,” Aryan told News 18 CricketNext.

Moving to UAE

Ten years ago, in 2014, Aryan moved to the UAE with his family, but that didn’t stop him from playing cricket. “We then shifted to UAE in 2014 as my mother got a job here, and I got enrolled in an academy here and started playing with the hard ball. I started playing for different academies, and people started noticing me. I finally made my debut for UAE Under-19 in 2021. It gave me a lot of confidence,” he added.

Performing in World Cup Qualifiers

Saxena performed well for his side in the World Cup qualifiers, but they eventually lost in the final. However, the all-rounder’s performance didn’t go unnoticed. “I performed very well in the World Cup qualifiers. Unfortunately, we lost the final, but I had a good run. I was happy for the team and myself that we made it to the finals. Riding on my performances, I also got the opportunity to be a part of the men’s camp. My coaches have been very supportive right from 2014 till date,” he added.

Looking Ahead: Asia Cup and Senior Team Aspirations

The Delhi-born cricketer will now be a part of UAE’s Under-19 side for the Asia Cup later this year. “I will be a part of the Under-19 team for the Asia Cup, which is scheduled to take place in India in December. I just want to perform well there and get promoted to the next level.”

UAE’s Domestic Structure

UAE’s domestic structure mostly comprises shorter formats like T10 and T20, while the inter-state tournament, which has four to five teams, is played in a 50-over format. “We mostly play the shorter formats like T10, T20. The 50-over format is played at the Under-19 level and senior level. I was a part of the senior team in one of the tournaments as well as leading the Under-19 side in another tournament. The Under-19 team that I led won the tournament. I represent Sharjah and was the player of the series in that competition. There is a state tournament called Inter Emirates where four to five different states play in a 50-over format,” Aryan explained.

Balancing Bat and Ball

Aryan, being an all-rounder, has to strike a balance between bat and ball and take care of his fitness to have more stamina and stability in the field. “I practice four to five days a week. I start with facing the side arm for half an hour and then work on some things that are not working for me. Talking about fitness, I follow a very strict diet. Apart from that, I do gym and running quite religiously. I do gym for one hour, focusing on weight training because I do my cardio ahead of my practice,” he said. “I also focus on building my muscle because if you have that, you will have more stamina and stability. Eventually, this will help you in the field.”

Dream to Take Rohit Sharma’s Wicket

The UAE cricketer has a dream of picking Rohit Sharma’s wicket one day. “Rohit Sharma’s wicket is my dream,” Saxena concluded.

Detailed Journey and Future Aspirations

Aryan Saxena’s journey from playing cricket for fun in Delhi to aiming for a place in the UAE senior team is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. His steady rise in UAE cricket, marked by his debut for the UAE Under-19 team and notable performances in World Cup qualifiers, showcases his potential and determination.

Moving to the UAE in 2014 due to his mother’s job did not deter Aryan from pursuing cricket. Instead, it opened new opportunities for him to hone his skills and get noticed in different academies. His performance in the World Cup qualifiers, despite the team losing in the final, was a significant milestone in his cricketing career. It not only boosted his confidence but also earned him a spot in the men’s camp, highlighting his growing reputation in the UAE cricket circuit.

Aryan’s inclusion in the UAE Under-19 side for the upcoming Asia Cup in India is another exciting chapter in his career. With the Asia Cup scheduled for December, Aryan is focused on delivering strong performances to advance to the next level. His aspirations to transition from the Under-19 team to the senior team reflect his ambition and readiness to take on bigger challenges.

The UAE’s domestic cricket structure, predominantly featuring shorter formats like T10 and T20, has provided Aryan with diverse experiences. Leading the Under-19 team to victory in a 50-over tournament and representing Sharjah, where he was named player of the series, further underscores his capabilities as an all-rounder. The inter-state tournament, Inter Emirates, played in a 50-over format, is another platform where Aryan has showcased his talent.

Balancing his responsibilities as an all-rounder, Aryan maintains a rigorous practice schedule and a strict fitness regime. His dedication to improving his skills, coupled with a disciplined approach to fitness, ensures he remains competitive and ready for the demands of high-level cricket. His focus on building muscle and maintaining stamina and stability reflects his understanding of the physical requirements needed to excel in the sport.

Aryan’s dream of taking Rohit Sharma’s wicket epitomizes his aspirations and the heights he aims to reach in his cricketing career. This dream symbolizes not just a personal milestone but also his ambition to compete against the best in the cricketing world.

Aryan Saxena’s journey from Delhi to the UAE, his steady rise in the ranks of UAE cricket, and his future aspirations paint the picture of a dedicated and ambitious cricketer. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence. As he prepares for the Asia Cup and eyes a place in the UAE senior team, Aryan Saxena embodies the spirit of a young cricketer determined to make his mark on the global stage.