Last Updated on 36 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
Aryan Sharma, the all-rounder who has featured for Australia at U19 level, is looking forward to the next stage of his career. The 18-year-old is now eyeing state and Big Bash League (BBL) opportunities after recently taking part in a development camp in Chennai
“I think it’s good to think about it [Shield and BBL debuts] and have it in your mind but not getting too far ahead of yourself,” Aryan told Cricinfo.
“Still taking it day by day because at the end of the day, the only thing that’s going to get you there is your performance on the day. There’s no guarantees here, but I think you’ve got to make your own spot and that’s all you can do.”
Aryan Sharma hopeful of higher honours given his attributes
Aryan played in the 2026 Under-19 World Cup and featured for Australia in Youth One Day and Test matches in 2025. He is a left-arm spinner and lower order batter.
He scored 43 off 44 balls batting at number nine in the first Youth Test against India in 2025. In that game, he took 2/143 off 30.3 overs in a tricky assignment against excellent players of spin.
In the Chennai development camp, the all-rounder had an opportunity to work on his spin in a competitive environment. He played against the Andhra Ranji team in conditions conducive to slow bowling.
“[The] bowling part, just learning what I can do, how I can adjust to different conditions,” Aryan said. “You can bowl magic balls but they’re not getting anyone out. So learning stuff like that, learning the art of how to make the ball spin less. Stuff like that. With the bat, it’s just grinding it out.”
Sharma has previously spent valuable time with the Melbourne Stars. The insights and words received from Glenn Maxwell has given him a greater sense of belief.
“Maxi has years of knowledge and he loves to share it,” Aryan said. “He has no ounce of arrogance in him. When I came into the Big Bash environment, I was new, and Stoin [Marcus Stoinis] took me on board. He’s talking to some 17-18 year old kid and actually trying to help me out. I remember after one of the games I messaged him that I was going to the World Cup.
“He was just saying really take on this finisher role that I was getting in the World Cup. He said if I can nail that role all the teams will want me. You bowl left-arm offspin and if you can bat as well, that’s a very big plus point for you.”
Aryan has also credited his family for his development. His father, Raman Sharma, moved to Australia in 2005, and always encouraged Aryan to persist with cricket despite arriving to Australia with just $1,000 in his pocket.
“Even to this day, dad, he would do anything for me to just make sure he sees me thriving. Same with my mum. My grandparents as well, they’ve woken up early to give me food. So I think the whole family has played a big role in my development,” Aryan said.
Aryan is currently playing for Victoria CA XI in the Top End T20 Series in Darwin, who have won five of six matches. He has bowled ten overs in the tournament to date and has conceded just 5.90 runs per over.
