In a remarkable tale of sacrifice and sporting ambition, a 21-year-old US-born cricketer has taken the Indian domestic circuit by storm, culminating in an IPL contract after a life-altering decision to relinquish his American citizenship.
From Viral Video to Vijay Hazare Glory
The rise of Hyderabad batter Aman Rao has been nothing short of cinematic. Just three days before the IPL 2026 player auctions, a video of him dismantling India pacer Shardul Thakur went viral across social media platforms. In a Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 match against Mumbai, chasing a modest 132, Rao launched an astonishing assault, cracking three boundaries and two sixes in the very first over bowled by Thakur. Hyderabad chased down the total in just 11.5 overs, with Rao remaining unbeaten on a fluent 52.
But that was merely a preview. On Wednesday, another video showcasing his sublime talent began circulating widely. This time, it was footage of his majestic unbeaten double century (200 off 154 balls) in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against a formidable Bengal attack featuring the likes of Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, and Shahbaz Ahmed. His innings, studded with 12 fours and 13 sixes, was a masterclass in classical batting infused with modern power.
The Hyderabad School of Batting Reborn
What stood out was not just the volume of runs but the manner in which they were scored. Rao's technique echoed the rich legacy of the Hyderabad school of batting, reminiscent of the elegance of Mohammed Azharuddin and VVS Laxman. Standing tall at the crease, he combines a high elbow for pristine straight drives with incredibly flexible wrists that allow him to time the ball beautifully.
Despite growing up in the T20 era, Rao is not a compulsive slogger. His method is based on extension. "I was never this batsman, who used to play aerially or hit the ball hard," Aman told The Indian Express. "It is something I did during the Covid years, where I thought I needed to expand my game. So I started to loft the same shots I used to play along the ground." He cites Kane Williamson and Kumar Sangakkara as his idols, adopting their cross-format effectiveness.
The Crucial Passport Decision
Aman's journey to this point involved a monumental personal choice. Born in Wisconsin, USA, where his father Madhukar was an IT professional, he moved to India when he was just a year-and-a-half old. He initially accompanied his elder brother Akash to coaching in Karimnagar before the family relocated to Hyderabad to nurture his talent, enrolling him at St. John's Academy, Laxman's alma mater.
However, a BCCI rule change before the current season presented a stark dilemma. Despite holding an OCI card, Aman was still a US citizen. "I even suggested that he go to the US because his brother is settled now and cricket is becoming big over there. But he wanted to stay in India and pursue the sport," revealed his father Madhukar. The family made the tough call to surrender the US passport and apply for an Indian one. He received it just two days before the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), without which he would have missed the entire season.
Sangakkara's Nod and the IPL Payoff
Aman's sacrifice and spectacular performances soon found the highest validation. Among the countless viewers of his viral video taking down Shardul Thakur was his idol, Kumar Sangakkara, the Director of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals. Just four days later, at the IPL auction, it was Sangakkara who raised the paddle to secure the young batter for his franchise.
"I was not surprised, but was a bit taken aback," Aman admitted. "I had not attended any trials for Rajasthan. Only Chennai Super Kings had called me. So I didn't expect RR to get me." He now eagerly anticipates his first interaction with the legendary Sri Lankan, a moment he is mentally preparing for.
Reflecting on his career-defining 200 against Bengal, Rao highlighted his calm approach. He brought up his maiden List A century in the 40th over off 108 balls before exploding, scoring his second hundred in just 46 deliveries. "I always know I can catch-up with strike-rate," he said, underscoring the confidence in his game that blends solid defence with explosive stroke-play.
Aman Rao's story is a powerful testament to dedication, showcasing how a bold choice for one's passion, backed by textbook technique and a clear mind, can pave the way to realizing dreams on cricket's biggest stages.
