Chandigarh, November 4
By scoring a double ton on his Ranji Trophy debut, Patiala batsman Jiwanjot Singh Chouhan has become the fifth Indian (and second Punjabi) to achieve the Herculean feat in the 78-year history of the championship. Undaunted by a formidable Hyderbad team led by VVS Laxman, the 21-year-old Sardar opened the innings for Punjab along with Karan Goel and scored 213 runs in 368 balls with the help of 33 boundaries.

For Punjab, he is second only to India’s Under-19 World Cup winning team member Reetinder Singh in his feat. There is one man behind the achievements of the two players—Maheshinder Singh. The cricket coach from Patiala, who trained Jiwanjot in his formative years, is also the father of Reetinder.

Jiwanjot said, “I am grateful to God and feel blessed to have scored a double ton in my very first match. After scoring a century on Saurday I was determined to play a big inning.”

It must have felt very nice to be acknowledged by none other than 'Very Very Special' Laxman, the opposing skipper. Laxman clapped when the Punjab batsman reached his century and greeted the batsman with more clapping and a pleasing smile after he reached the double ton. Perhaps it was the orthodox style and near-perfect technique shown by the youngster that endeared the former Test batsman.

After trying to ensure that the home team records an outright win on Monday, the 21 year-old will be celebrating his 22nd birthday on Tuesday. It is after eight years a batsman from Punjab has scored a double ton on his debut, the last being Reetinder's unbeaten 251 against Maharashtara at the very same ground in December 2004.