Cricket is the most-watched sport in India, and reaching the national team is a challenge that many players must overcome. We’ve heard numerous stories of star cricketers battling adversity, but the recent journey of Mohammad Amaan, the newly appointed captain of India’s Under-19 team, is nothing short of inspiring. His path has been fraught with hardships, yet he stands ready to lead the future of Indian cricket.
Who is Mohammad Amaan?
Mohammad Amaan hails from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He was a part of the Under-19 team during the Asia Cup held in November 2023. At just 18 years old, Amaan has made a name for himself as an exceptional batsman and a fast bowler. Tragically, he became an orphan at the tender age of 16 after losing his mother Saiba in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and his father Mehtab in 2022. Following their deaths, Amaan took charge of his three younger siblings while continuing to pursue his passion for cricket. His dedication and hard work have now paid off as he steps into the role of captain.
In an interview with the Indian Express, Amaan shared, “The day I lost my father felt like I suddenly grew up overnight. I had to take care of my younger sister and two brothers; after my father’s passing, I became the head of the family. After that incident, I thought about quitting cricket. I looked for jobs in Saharanpur to support the family, but no opportunities came. Fortunately, a few people stepped in to help me continue with my sport.”
Nights Spent Hungry
Amaan openly discussed the tough times when he had to go to bed on an empty stomach. He recalled, “Nothing is more significant than hunger. I never waste food now because I understand how hard it is to earn it. When I used to travel for the UPCA age-group trials in Kanpur, I would ride in the general compartment of the train, often sitting near the restroom. Now, as I fly and stay in nice hotels, I simply thank God for the change.”
His Journey through the Age Groups
Mohammad Amaan has a rich history in cricket, having played across various age groups from under-14 to under-19. His journey includes:
| Year | Category |
|---|---|
| 2016-17 | Under-14 |
| 2017-18 | Under-14 |
| 2018-19 | Under-16 |
| 2019-20 | Under-16 |
| 2022-23 | Under-19 |
In the last season, Amaan scored 363 runs in eight matches for the UP Under-19 team during the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, which included four half-centuries. He also earned a spot among the top run-scorers in the Under-19 Challenger Series, amassing 294 runs at an average of 98. His consistent performance led to him being named the captain of the Uttar Pradesh Under-19 team in 2023.
India’s Under-19 Team Against Australia:
The squad features notable names including Rudra Patel, Sahil Parkh, Kartikeya KP, Mohammad Amaan (captain), Kiran Chormale, Abhijnaan Kundu (wicketkeeper), and others.
India’s Test Under-19 Team Against Australia:
This team includes Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nitya Pandya, Vihaan Malhotra (vice-captain), Soham Patwardhan (captain), Kartikeya KP, and several additional talents, indicating a bright future for Indian cricket.
