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Uncle Sam loses a citizen, India gains a double centurion
Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Rao moved to India as a toddler, was raised in Hyderabad, and came through the domestic cricket system.
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Pranavi Sharma - Thu, 08, Jan 2026
- 04:28 EST
- 131
Aman Rao Perala. / Instagram
Aman Rao gave up his U.S. citizenship to pursue domestic cricket and went on to score an unbeaten double century for Hyderabad against Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Jan. 6 in Rajkot.
Born in Madison, Wisconsin, on March 19, 2004, Rao moved to India as a toddler and grew up in Hyderabad, progressing through the domestic system. According to reports, he held an Overseas Citizen of India card but remained a U.S. citizen, a status that became an obstacle after a Board of Control for Cricket in India rule change required players to hold Indian passports to compete in domestic cricket.
The reports said the family considered relocating him to the United States, where his elder brother is settled, but Rao was determined to stay in India and pursue cricket. He surrendered his U.S. passport and secured an Indian one only days before the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, a step that allowed him to continue the season.
The 21-year-old opener made 200 not out off 154 balls as Hyderabad posted a commanding total. He hit 12 fours and 13 sixes, reaching the milestone with a six. Rao scored at pace while maintaining control against an experienced Bengal attack that included Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar.
The innings was the first double century by a Hyderabad batter in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the ninth overall in the tournament’s history. Rao also became the second player to reach the mark this season, after Odisha opener Swastik Samal.
The knock added to a strong domestic run and carried into the IPL pathway. Rajasthan Royals bought Rao for Rs 30 lakh ahead of the 2026 season. With the Bengal innings, he has 252 runs in three matches at an average of 126 in the current Vijay Hazare Trophy.
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