Former Indian cricket opener Virender Sehwag expressed profound pride on social media after Rahul Soreng, the son of a soldier killed in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, earned a spot in Haryana's Under-19 cricket team. Sehwag, who has supported Rahul's education since the tragedy, shared an emotional post on X, highlighting the young bowler's resilience and journey from grief to achievement. The announcement, posted late Thursday, quickly garnered thousands of likes and shares, resonating with fans who celebrated it as a story of hope and national service.
Rahul, a student at Sehwag International School in Jhajjar since 2019, lost his father, Head Constable Vijay Soreng, in the February 14, 2019, ambush on a CRPF convoy along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The suicide bombing by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed militants claimed 40 lives, sparking widespread outrage and India's Balakot airstrikes in retaliation.
In the attack's aftermath, Sehwag pledged free education and boarding at his school for the children of the fallen jawans, a commitment he has upheld for Rahul and others, including batsman Arpit Singh, son of martyr Ram Vakeel. "Congratulations to Rahul Soreng on being selected for the under-19 Haryana team. Since his brave father attained martyrdom in Pulwama, it has been my privilege to support Rahul, and I am extremely proud of his journey," Sehwag wrote, attaching a photo of the teenager in cricket gear.
The 16-year-old's selection caps a rapid rise in domestic cricket. Rahul previously represented Haryana at the Under-14 level and made headlines in December 2024 when he joined the Under-16 squad for the Vijay Merchant Trophy, prompting another jubilant post from Sehwag: "Remember the Name—Rahul Soreng... Few things give more joy. Thank you to our great soldiers."
Earlier this year, he played for the Jhajjar District Under-19 team in an inter-district match against Karnal, alongside teammates Aditya Pandey and Shivam Anand. Known for his pace bowling, Rahul mirrors Sehwag's own aggressive style, training rigorously at the school that blends academics with sports development.
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Sehwag's initiative underscores a broader effort in Indian sports to honor military families, fostering talent amid personal loss. On the sixth anniversary of the attack in February 2025, he reflected on the "satisfying feeling" of Rahul and Arpit's progress, paying homage to the "bravehearts." Rahul's story has inspired tributes across platforms, with netizens praising Sehwag's mentorship as a beacon of compassion.
As Haryana prepares for upcoming U-19 tournaments, eyes are on the young cricketer, whose bat and ball now carry forward his father's legacy of courage.
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