Chennai-Born Vriitya Aravind: Rising Star of UAE Cricket

Born in Chennai, Vriitya Aravind is a young cricket sensation who has made a name for himself in UAE cricket, boasting 100 international caps and has a dream come true moment via the Abu Dhabi T10 league.

The Chennai Braves player of the prominent Abu Dhabi T10 League, Vriitya relocated to the United Arab Emirates with his father, an electrical engineer at DEWA - Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, when he was just 6. Back in Chennai, he was too small to grasp the intricacies of cricket and instead spent his time playing tennis at school.

"My parents introduced me to all sports, cricket was the only exception. It was only after moving to the UAE that I developed an interest in cricket," recalls the 21-year-old.

Growing Fondness for Cricket

As a young boy, Vriitya often traveled back to Chennai to spend quality time with his family. His cherished memories include outings to Marina Beach and family meals. Yet, it was India's triumph in the 2011 ICC Men's World Cup that marked a turning point in his life.

"During the summer of 2011, when India lifted the World Cup, I was in Chennai. The euphoria in the streets after India's victory sparked my passion for cricket. Though my father was an avid cricket fan, it was my first introduction to the sport, and I decided to pursue it," he shares.

An Accidental Wicketkeeper

Driven by his newfound passion, Vriitya joined a cricket club in the UAE. In the Under-11s club, he was asked to take up wicketkeeping due to a shortage of players for the role.

His adept fielding impressed his teammates, and that's how he embarked on his journey as an accidental wicketkeeper. "My team asked me to put on the gloves, and I have been keeping wickets since then," he reveals.

Impressive International Stint

Vriitya made his international debut for the UAE in a T20 match against the USA at Sharjah in December 2019. Since then, he has played 55 ODIs and 45 T20Is for the UAE, amassing 2 ODI centuries and 5 T20I fifties in his short yet impressive career.

He believes platforms like the Abu Dhabi T10 League and other esteemed cricket leagues are providing excellent opportunities for UAE cricketers, contributing to the sport's growth in the region.

A Dream Come True

Currently showcasing his skills for the Chennai Braves in the ongoing Abu Dhabi T10 League, Vriitya is overjoyed to represent his place of birth.

"It's an incredible feeling to play for the team of my birthplace. Playing for the Chennai Braves is a dream come true, as it allows me to represent my hometown of Chennai," he expressed.

Striking a Balance

Besides his cricket career, Vriitya is also pursuing his studies in Psychology and Criminology at Loughborough University in England, while playing cricket for a club in Birmingham.

"The winter season in England gives me a chance to play cricket in Abu Dhabi. Otherwise, I would have to stay back for my exams," he quipped.

Despite his busy schedule, Vriitya yearns to visit Chennai, which he hasn't been able to do in the past five years due to his cricket and academic commitments.

"South Indian food is my comfort food. My mother's Rasam and Chicken dishes are a treat. I'm eager to return to Chennai, but I want it to be a lengthy visit. I'm waiting for the opportunity to visit my hometown again, hopefully, once my studies are done," he signed off.