Aditya Garhwal follows up his 263 and 196 with another double century; impressed Suresh Raina gifts him an autographed bat

Aditya Garhwal (Credits: ESPN Cricinfo)

Rajasthan’s Aditya Garhwal, who raised a lot of eyebrows a couple of days ago for registering scores of 263 and 196 in back-to-back 50-over matches while playing the Vinoo Mankad trophy, has now scored a 132-ball 212, this time against Vidarbha in the same tournament.

The 18-year-old’s efforts were recognised by Indian opener Virender Sehwag, who had earlier tweeted:

Suresh Raina bowled over

Suresh Raina has, now, added to the hype surrounding the wonder-kid by gifting him an autographed bat.

On the surprise that lay in wait, Garhwal, who has so far amassed 763 runs in 5 matches, said: "I couldn't believe Suresh Raina had sent a bat for me. The best present I have got so far in my short career. I like to play straight as I am not a powerful man."

Former Indian opening batsman Aakash Chopra, who is currently a cricket analyst, expressed his surprise at the youngster’s abilities, as well. He tweeted:

IPL watch

It is understood that the Indian Premier League (IPL) side Delhi Daredevils are keeping a close eye on his progress. When asked if he is aware of it, he said: “No I didn't but one sports management company called up to sign me. Haven't yet decided."

Ex-Indian wicket-keeper Sadanand Viswanath, who stood as an umpire in the match between Rajasthan and Vidarbha, said: "Technically sound and plays straight. Very sinewy and has a bright future. Hope he does well in seniors too."

Garhwal also revealed that he wanted to quit playing professional cricket following his failures in the same tournament last year, where he could only score 60 runs in 5 matches.

He said: "I wanted to quit after last year but my coach Anshu Jain convinced me to carry on. My father (electrical engineer) Narendra and mother (chemistry professor) Savita also encouraged me and never pressurised on the academic front."

rajasthan under 19 player aditya garhwal hits 263 no just 151b 22/4& 18/6 against railway in the vinoo mankad central zone cricket.. wow

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 21, 2014

Aditya Garhwal is becoming a wonder kid of sorts...two double centuries and a 196 in Vinoo Mankad. It's a 50-overs tournament. #wow

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 25, 2014