While it was logical that Prakhar Chaturvedi would sound exhausted after an 18-year-old batted 638 balls to score a record-breaking 404, there was also an obvious sense of excitement as he focused on his Karnataka U23 and Ranji Trophy debuts. In the Cooch Behar Trophy final on Monday, Chaturvedi became the first quadruple centurion when his knock gave Karnataka their first-ever U19 championship. In the process of his undefeated innings, Chaturvedi also smashed the previous record in a Cooch Behar title match, set by the 24-year-old Yuvraj Singh.
“It is a great feeling. I am delighted that the innings came in the final, and helped Karnataka earn the first title (Cooch Behar). Feeling a bit tired but, yes, nothing can match the happiness of a team winning the title and you are contributing to it,” Chaturvedi mentioned in conversation with PTI.
Sanjay Kumar Chaturvedi, father of Chaturvedi, owns a software company in the city, while Rupa, his mother, works as a technical advisor at DRDO. Their family has always prioritized education.
“They have been very supportive of me from the time I took up cricket as an eight-year-old. They had even availed me of the services of a private throwdown expert during the (Covid-19) lockdown. Fortunately, I have been able to carry both cricket and studies together,” he continued.
At the SIX Cricket Academy located at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Excellence, retired player and senior coach Jeshwant trains the prodigy on the intricacies of the game.
“Jeshwant sir is technically very knowledgeable. He quickly spots even the minutest technical error in my batting. It is a blessing that I am able to work with a coach like him,” added Chaturvedi.
“Prakhar is a dedicated boy. He keeps coming to the academy (near Devanahalli) from his home (Bellandur), which is quite a distance away, claimed Jeshwant.
“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,” added Jeshwant.
KB Pawan, the current Under-19 coach of Karnataka and a former opener, is confident in Chaturvedi’s development as a player.
“It is an outstanding achievement. He was the highest run-getter (in Cooch Behar) last year, but his time he was having a little tough time despite getting two hundreds. However, he never took too much pressure on himself, which was quite heartening as a coach.
“But 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,” averred Pawan.
“There was a good vibe within the team coming into the final after our commanding wins in the quarterfinal and semifinal. I am sure many of these kids will soon don the Karnataka jersey,” he added.
“Now, I want to graduate to state U23 and then to Ranji Trophy at the earliest. Hopefully, I can tackle bigger challenges,” the prodigy concluded.
