Chennai-born cricketer, Vriitya Aravind has become an integral cog in UAE’s team. In 55 ODIs and 45 T20Is played for UAE, Aravind has already hit two ODI centuries and five half-centuries.
Vriitya Aravind Childhood
Aravind wasn’t always inclined to cricket. During his childhood days in Chennai, his father would get him involved in every sport but cricket. Vriitya Aravind moved to UAE with his father when he was only six years old. The latter worked for DEWA – Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
“I was introduced to every sport but cricket by my parents when I was in Chennai. I only gained interest in cricket after I moved to the UAE,” the 21-year-old said.
Aravind’s interest in cricket grew when he witnessed India lifting the 2011 World Cup under the leadership of MS Dhoni.
“In 2011, when India won the World Cup, I was there for summer vacations. After India won, I went out on the streets to celebrate with the people. That moment instilled cricket in me. My dad was always a cricket fan but I think it was the first time I watched cricket and I decided to pursue the sport,” he says.
He was so touched by the victory that he decided to become a cricketer. In a bid to pursue his dream, the wicket-keeper batter enrolled himself in a cricket club in UAE. In his under-11 club, his team gave him the wicket-keeper role after getting impressed with his fielding skills. And, there was no stopping back from there on.
“My team said put on the gloves and start keeping and I have been doing that ever since,” he said.
Vriitya Aravind Debut
Vriitya made his One Day International (ODI) debut for the UAE in 2019 in the tri-series involving the United States and Scotland. He played his debut game against the US on December 8, 2019 and scored 16 runs. He was later part of the UAE squad for the 2020 Under 19 Cricket World Cup
Vritya Aravind is, currently, playing for Chennai Braves in the ongoing Abu Dhabi T10. He feels delighted to be part of a side that belongs to the place he was born in. Besides, getting a chance to play with some of the big players only enhances his confidence.
“Here in Abu Dhabi T10, we are getting a chance to rub shoulders with the best of the players in the world. It gives us great confidence when we compete with them. As we have seen, UAE has been performing well in the past 6-7 months.”
Vriitya has now become a regular player in the international squad of the UAE. With two centuries and eight half-centuries, he is one of the most touted batters in the UAE cricket team.
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