Prakhar Breaks Yuvraj’s 24-Year Record with a stunning 404-run innings in the Cooch Behar Trophy final, catching the attention of selectors and fans alike. Despite being initially overlooked for the under-19 team, the Karnataka teen’s historic performance, lasting 885 minutes, showcased incredible patience and focus. The Cooch Behar Trophy, a prestigious under-19 tournament in India, witnessed Prakhar’s remarkable feat, leaving a lasting impact on cricket history.
Prakhar Chaturvedi did even better than Yuvraj Singh’s record set 24 years ago. Yuvraj’s score was 358, but Prakhar surpassed that by scoring 404 in the Cooch Behar Trophy final. Back when Yuvraj played, a young wicketkeeper named MS Dhoni was watching from behind the stumps. The Cooch Behar Trophy has a history of discovering cricket legends, and now fans are optimistic that Prakhar might become one too.
Who is Prakhar Chaturvedi?
Prakhar Chaturvedi comes from Karnataka and his family is all about academics. His parents, Sanjay and Rupa Chaturvedi, are into science-related jobs. His dad used to be a software engineer, and now he runs his own startup. Prakhar’s mom is a technical officer in the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Right now, Prakhar is studying Economics at a college in Bangalore. He did well in his class XII exams. Even though he’s into cricket, he gives importance to both studies and the game.
𝙍𝙀𝘾𝙊𝙍𝘿 𝘼𝙇𝙀𝙍𝙏! 🚨
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) January 15, 2024
4⃣0⃣4⃣* runs
6⃣3⃣8⃣ balls
4⃣6⃣ fours
3⃣ sixes
Karnataka's Prakhar Chaturvedi becomes the first player to score 400 in the final of #CoochBehar Trophy with his splendid 404* knock against Mumbai.
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/jzFOEZCVRs@kscaofficial1 pic.twitter.com/GMLDxp4MYY
Prakhar’s Win: Quiet Celebration in Karnataka’s First Cooch Behar Trophy
Prakhar is from Karnataka, and he learned cricket at the Six Cricket Academy with guidance from K. Jeshwanth, a former Karnataka captain. Everyone knew Prakhar worked hard, but even his coach was surprised by this ‘quadruple century’ – that means four hundred runs!
Prakhar played a big role in Karnataka winning their first Cooch Behar Trophy. What’s cool about him is that he doesn’t do big celebrations. When he reached 300, he lifted his bat and kneeled down. And when he passed 400, he just raised his bat and looked up. Prakhar is not even 19 yet, and he doesn’t like loud celebrations. He lets his game do the talking. And on Monday, his game spoke really loudly, making a big mark in his cricket journey.
Prakhar Breaks Yuvraj’s 24-Year Record with Second-Highest Cooch Behar Trophy Score
Prakhar’s 404 not out in the Cooch Behar Trophy final not only made him the highest scorer in the history of the tournament but also the second-highest overall. Only Maharashtra’s Vijay Zol’s unbeaten 451 in 2011-12 surpasses it.
In response to Mumbai’s 380 in the first innings, Karnataka declared at a massive 890/8, securing victory based on their first-innings lead. Despite being known for powerful hitting, Prakhar showcased patience, application, and skill.
On a pitch favoring batsmen, Prakhar played flawlessly, reaching lunch on the final day at 299. He calmly reached 300 off 543 deliveries, and then scored the next 104 briskly in just 95 balls.
Prakhar’s Winning Approach: Humble Credits, Process-Focused, and a Refreshing Maturity
Prakhar is getting lots of praise, but he’s staying humble. In interviews, he says his success is thanks to his team, coaches, and family. He talks about focusing on the process and letting good results happen. This, along with his clear talent, makes people excited about Prakhar’s future.
Prakhar himself says, “The records feel special, and I’m happy the runs came when they really counted. My coaches told me to stay on the field and not get out, and I’m glad I could do that. In the end, what matters most is that we won the trophy.”
Talking about how he played, Prakhar, who chose open schooling for Class 12 to focus on cricket, explained, “In red-ball cricket, patience is key for me. I know I can hit the ball hard and far, but in longer games, it’s important to keep the ball on the ground. I took my time to understand the conditions and then played my shots.
Prakhar’s Coach Speaks: Dedication, Adaptability, and a 100km Daily Grind
Prakhar’s Coach, K Jeshwanth, from Bengaluru’s Six Cricket Academy, part of the Padukone-Dravid Centre of Excellence, shared, ‘I’m not surprised by his success. He has good skills, works really hard, and learns the game well. He can play in various formats easily. A strong hitter, he’s like an open book for learning.’ Prakhar travels 100km every day for his training.
Prakhar’s Record-Breaking Impact:
- Making History: Prakhar’s 404 is the second-highest score in Cooch Behar history, just behind Vijay Zol’s 451 in 2011-12. He now holds the record for the highest score in a Cooch Behar final, surpassing Yuvraj’s legendary innings.
- Karnataka’s Triumph: Before Prakhar, Karnataka had never won the Cooch Behar Trophy. His remarkable knock not only secured their first title but also brought Karnataka cricket into the national spotlight.
- Inspiring Hope: Prakhar’s story is a guiding light for young cricketers. It proves that with hard work, dedication, and focus, even seemingly distant dreams can become a reality.
Prakhar’s Outstanding Final Performance Secures Top Spot: Finishes the Tournament as the Leading Run-Getter with 795 Runs, Averaging 79.5. Notably, He Scored Two Centuries and a Fifty Along the Way.