By Prakhar Chaturvedi of Karnataka etched his name in history by making 404 runs not out in Cooch Behar Trophy’s final against Mumbai, smashing Yuvraj Singh’s record of 358 runs, which was set in the year 2000.
The Cooch Behar Trophy’s final was played between Karnataka and Mumbai, where Karnataka won the match and clinched the trophy. However, the highlight of the match is not Karnataka’s maiden title in the U-19 tournament but the quadruple century of Prakahar Chaturvedi. So, let’s learn a little more about this rising star.
Background
Prakhar Chaturvedi comes from a family that always puts his studies first and sports ambitions second. His father, Sanjay Kumar Chaturvedi, owns a software development firm in Electronics City and his mother, Rupa Chaturvedi, is a technical advisor at Defence Research and Development Organisation, DRDO. However, this hasn’t prevented them from allowing Prakhar to do what he really wants. Prakhar claims that his parents have always supported his ambition to become a professional cricketer.
He also credits his success to his coach and mentor, Karthik Jeshwant. Prakhar’s coach also holds him in high regard. His coach says, “Apart from his good technique, his biggest quality is his ability to handle pressure. He has a mature head on his shoulders, and hopefully, we can see him climbing the ladders soon.”
Career Highlights of Prakhar Chaturvedi
Apart from his 404 knock against Mumbai, Prakhar Chaturvedi has also been a part of Karnataka’s U-16 and U-19 squads. Prakhar started his cricket career in 2017 and later joined SIX Cricket Academy in Bangalore when he was 11. As per his coach, Karthik Jeshwant, Prakhar was a standout batsman of his batch. Jeshwant recalls the time he had to convince the selectors to let Prakhar Chaturvedi play in the U-16 tournaments to prove his metal. He was also rejected from the U-19 squad of the Indian national team. But now, Prakhar has proved that he has what it takes to become a successful cricketer.
What Does His Future Hold?
After his 404* knocks, it’s undeniable that Prakhar Chaturvedi has a bright future ahead. Former opening batsman and the coach of Karnataka’s U-19 Squad, RD Pawan, also praised Prakhar Chaturvedi on this achievement and said, “He chose the perfect occasion, the final, and a fine opponent, Mumbai, to play such an innings. He is such a keen listener and coachable kid. I have been watching him from the U14 days, and the kid has the potential to play for Karnataka soon.”
Prakhar Chaturvedi now wants to qualify for Karnataka’s U23 squad and hopes to play in the Ranji Trophy as soon as possible and claim accolades like the fastest century in Ranji history. He is one of the most promising prospects that are coming up from the domestic cricket scene. Prakhar is only 18 years old and has a long way to go before making his international debut, but this 404 knock proves that he has the potential to make a name for himself.
