Meet Aman Rao, Rajasthan Royals new find who struck double hundred for Hyderabad in VHT 2025-26

Who is Aman Rao? Rajasthan Royals’ new recruit shines with a remarkable double ton for Hyderabad in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26.

Aman Rao, the 21-year-old opener for Hyderabad, has exploded onto the domestic cricket scene with a breathtaking unbeaten double century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2025-26. This Wisconsin-born talent from Karimnagar, Telangana, turned heads by dismantling Bengal’s star-studded bowling attack, propelling his team to 352/5.

In just his third List A match at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, Rao scripted history on January 5, smashing 200* off 154 balls with 12 fours and 13 sixes.

Facing a lethal Bengal lineup featuring India internationals Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, and left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed, he plundered 120 runs off the pace trio alone, including eight sixes. His aggressive strokeplay, blending pristine technique with fearless intent, saw him reach his maiden List A century in 108 balls before accelerating dramatically.

The drama peaked in the final over bowled by Akash Deep. Needing six runs for the double ton with one ball left and on 194, Rao unleashed a massive six to etch his name as only the 15th male India player to score a List A 200, the second-highest in this VHT edition behind Odisha’s Swastik Samal’s 212.

Previous scores of 39 and 13 in the tournament made this knock even more redemptive, showcasing his composure under pressure against bowlers with over 100 international caps combined.

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IPL Spotlight: Rajasthan Royals’ bargain buy
Rao’s VHT heroics came weeks after the IPL 2026 auction in December 2025, where Rajasthan Royals snapped him up at his base price of INR 30 lakh. Coming off a decent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26: 234 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 163.63, he’s seen as a white-ball aggressor with a T20 strike rate above 160, perfect for their explosive top order.

From Wisconsin to Wankhede dreams
Born on June 22, 2004, in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, to IT professional Madhukar Rao, Aman moved to India at 18 months. His family hails from Vennampally village in Saidapur mandal, Karimnagar district, Telangana.

Cricket sparked when he tagged along with elder brother Akash to coaching in Karimnagar. While Akash pursued studies, Aman thrived, prompting a family shift to Hyderabad for better opportunities.

He honed his right-handed opening skills and medium-pace bowling at St. John’s Academy, the alma mater of VVS Laxman. His exploits in the Under-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy (381 runs in six matches, averaging 63.50) fast-tracked him to senior domestic cricket. Renouncing a US passport to chase Indian dreams, Rao embodies the new-age desi talent blending global exposure with Indian grit.

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Young cricketing days for Aman Rao
Rao didn’t make waves in junior cricket with an underwhelming performance in Under-14s. However, his stint in Under-16s was impressive as the young man scored a double-hundred. Later, he went to the NCA (BCCI’s National Cricket Academy) camp. He then took over the captaincy of the Under-16 team and reached the semi-finals. Alas, COVID happened and he lost one year of Under-19 cricket.

In his first full year at the Under-19 level, which coincided with the 2020 World Cup batch, Rao was initially not selected for the one-day squad despite performing well in the league matches. He was later picked for the multi-day team, where he impressed and earned another stint at the NCA. However, with no Under-19 India tours scheduled that year, the opportunity to represent the country did not come his way.

In his final year of Under-19 cricket, he missed out once again as players of that age group were no longer considered. The setbacks left him deeply disappointed, as playing for India at the Under-19 level had always been a cherished dream. His coaches, however, encouraged him to stay patient and keep working hard, assuring him that something bigger could be in store.

Having navigated the frustration and struggles of being on the fringes, Rao is now determined to make the most of his second chance. He has already made an impact in white-ball cricket and is focused on further improving and refining his game as he sets his sights on the IPL.

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