Aaryavir Sehwag, son of former India opener Virender Sehwag, smashed 173 off 143 balls for Delhi Under-19 against Chandigarh Under-19 in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy at the P.V.G. Raju ACA Sports Complex in Vizianagaram on Friday. The Delhi U-19 captain struck 19 fours and eight sixes in an impressive batting display.

Aaryavir's knock comes after a promising start to his India Under-19 career. He made his debut in a three-match youth one-day series, scoring 109 runs in three innings at a strike rate of nearly 104. His highest score in the series was 47.

The right-handed batter was also part of the India A camp for the series against Australia A in Rajkot, where he continued to gain experience at a higher level. His latest innings for Delhi adds to a promising run of performances as he looks to establish himself in India's youth cricket set-up.

Aaryavir, who leads Delhi Under-19, struck the ball cleanly throughout his innings, finding the boundary regularly and making the most of his time at the crease. His 173 came off 143 deliveries and included 27 boundaries, with his 19 fours and eight sixes accounting for a large share of his runs. The innings helped Delhi post 289 for six in their first innings.

Being the son of one of India's most destructive opening batters inevitably brings attention, but Virender Sehwag has advised his son to focus on enjoying his cricket rather than worrying about the expectations attached to his name.

In an earlier interview with NDTV, the former India opener spoke about the advice he had given Aaryavir and stressed the importance of playing freely.

"I am very proud of Aaryavir Sehwag. I gave him advice that, you know, pressure is there but go out there and play freely. Express yourself, don't worry that you have to score big runs. If you express yourself, the big runs will automatically come. But if you think about big runs, then I don't think the big runs will come," Sehwag had said.

Virender Sehwag was known for his fearless approach at the top of the order, scoring at a brisk pace against some of the world's best bowling attacks. Aaryavir will have to carve out his own identity in the game, but innings such as his 173 against Chandigarh will help him gain confidence and experience as he progresses through the domestic age-group circuit.

Aaryavir is not the only son of a former India captain making headlines in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. Anvay Dravid, son of former India captain Rahul Dravid, has also impressed for Karnataka Under-19. Anvay has scored a century in the tournament and followed it up with an attacking 85 off just 41 balls, underlining the batting talent emerging through India's age-group competitions.

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