Who is Arjun Rajput? Know the Punjab-born batter who smashed a fighting century in IND vs PAK U19 Asia Cup 2026

Arjun Rajput, the left-handed middle-order batter, made a name for himself with a fighting century during the U19 Asia Cup 2026 clash between India and Pakistan, which took place on November 08 at AI Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 2) in AI Amerat. His knock showed his superb skill in facing any situation under pressure.

India’s captain, Lakhya Rajesh Raichandani, won the toss and decided to bat first on the surface, which was a used one and was anticipated to get slow in the second innings of the contest. The surface was under the sun for a long time and was expected to take its toll.

Who is Arjun Rajput? Age, background and journey of the Punjab-born India U19 batter

Arjun is an emerging Indian all-rounder who plays as a left-handed middle-order batter and right-arm off-break bowler for the Indian National U19 side. Hailing from Jalandhar in Punjab, the 19-year-old has quickly become one of the most promising young talents in the junior circuit of the national side. 

Rajput comes from a modest household in Jalandhar. His father, Hoti Ram, used to support his family by running a local chhole-kulche street cart before eventually transitioning to opening a small bakery. Recognizing this immense talent at the age of seven, his coach, Vikram Sidhu, at the Harbhajan Singh Institute of Cricket mentored Rajput through financial hardships.

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It paved the way for his international rise. Just a year ago, as Arjun’s domestic cricket performances began opening the doors, his family managed a tiny step forward, which closed the roadside cart and opened a small bakery shop.

In local academy games, he played breathtaking knocks, including a 97-ball 221 run knock against the PAP Academy in Jalandhar, followed by an explosive 150 off 57 deliveries against the Royal Stump Cricket Academy.

How Arjun Rajput’s fighting century helped India against Pakistan in the U19 Asia Cup 2026

During the U19 Asia Cup 2026 between India and Pakistan, the blue brigade’s captain, Lakshya Raichandani, got dismissed for a second-ball duck as Ali Raza went through the defence of the batter. Aaryavir Sehwag got a start for 22 balls before failing to convert the start. They were reduced to 86/5 in 22.5 overs. Anvay Dravid was dismissed for just 10. 

Rajput walked into the middle when they were 22/3 in the 12th over of the innings. The southpaw smashed a fine knock of 107 runs off 85 balls at a strike rate of 125.88 with 11 boundaries and five sixes. India found themselves 172/7 in 36.2 overs.

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India U19 197/7 (Arjun Rajput 107, Rizwanullah 3/24) vs Pakistan U19