From playing in MP to the Rajasthan Royals camp, here is the story of Aryaman Birla

Cricket has been tagged as a gentleman’s game. There has always been a notion that the game is only for the rich and the elite. However, over the years, there have been several rags to riches story in the game. And the IPL has been a catalyst for it. Here comes a story that goes in a unique way though. Young cricketer Aryaman Birla is all set to be a part of the IPL 2018. Aryaman is the scion of the Birla empire.

Hailing from the family of elite businessmen, he could have easily chosen a lavish life. But the young kid wanted to leave an imprint and have a name for himself. He chose to play cricket. Seeing the lack of opportunities in Mumbai, Aryaman Birla made a switch to Madhya Pradesh four years ago. In the CK Nayudu Trophy this season, he aggregated 795 runs in just 6 matches at a staggering average of 79.50.

Also, he scored 221 runs in the Men’s U23 One-day knockouts this year. At the IPL auctions, he was picked up by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 30 lakhs. Recently, the youngster recalled the moment when he got the big news of his cricket career. He also added that he wishes to play for the Indian team. But for now, his focus is on the IPL.

“I was playing a match at that time in Rewa. Someone from the opposition came and told me that Rajasthan Royals had bid for me and they bought me as well. I am not someone who shows emotions but I was very happy and excited to be a part of Rajasthan Royals,” Aryaman Birla told the NDTV.

“Everyone in this country who plays professional cricket wants to play for the Indian cricket team and I am no different… I want to play for India as well but I am a strong believer in the process. IPL is coming up, which is an amazing platform for me, but also there will be emerging teams like India U-23,” he added further.

On being a ‘Birla’

When asked about how it feels to be a ‘Birla’, Aryaman Birla noted that the surname has come with a lot of pros and cons. The good thing has been that he has had the best facilties at his disposal. The con, on the other hand, has been the pre-conceived notions of the people about him.

“There are two sides to a coin. Like everything else, being a Birla comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In terms of facilities, I may have got advantages that many other people did not get so I feel lucky. But there are things that have not gone in my favour either. People have come with preconceived notions expecting me to be a certain way. But I am grateful that my parents have supported me all along. I would not have come this far without them rallying behind me,” Aryaman remarked.

Is business the way for Aryaman Birla?

So the next big question that comes up is whether Aryaman will take up the family business or not. Answering this question, his mother, Neerja Birla, remarked that Aryaman will eventually take over the 12.6 billion empire. But that will happen only after his cricketing career gets over.

” I do not see it as an either-or situation. After cricket, that is the line for him, he would be pursuing business. He won’t do business and cricket side by side but after his cricket career gets over, business is something he will take to naturally,” she noted.

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