Forget MS Dhoni’s biopic and that iconic scene, forget Yuvraj Singh’s epic 358 – enter Prakhar Chaturvedi, the 19-year-old batting phenomenon who smashed a staggering 404 not out in the Cooch Behar Trophy final, rewriting cricketing history.
During the 2023-24 final against Mumbai, Prakhar Chaturvedi’s remarkable unbeaten innings of 404 runs overshadowed Yuvraj Singh’s longstanding record of 358 runs in the same tournament. Yuvraj’s record had stood unchallenged for over two decades since the Cooch Behar Trophy final between Punjab and Bihar.
Karnataka’s dominance in the final was evident as Mumbai posted 380 runs in their first innings, setting the stage for Prakhar Chaturvedi extraordinary feat. His unbeaten 404 runs played a pivotal role in Karnataka’s victory, securing a commanding lead with a total of 890 for 8. Despite Vijay Zol’s 451 not out in the 2011-12 season, Prakhar Chaturvedi’s innings now stands as the highest individual score in the Cooch Behar Trophy final.
This wasn’t just a knock, it was a declaration. A message to those who doubted his talent, who didn’t believe in the boy who tirelessly traveled 100km daily to pursue his cricketing dream.
Prakhar Chaturvedi: The child prodigy
From Ghazipur, UP, Prakhar’s cricketing journey took root in Bengaluru. His supportive parents, an IIT graduate father and a DRDO official mother, saw his passion and enrolled him in the renowned SIX Cricket Academy.
Coach K Jeshwant, who witnessed Prakhar’s grit for six years, knew his talent was special. “He struggled to make the state U-19 team, faced doubts, but never gave up,” Jeshwant reveals to Indian Express. “Today, he silenced all critics with his bat.”
But this wasn’t just about brute force. Prakhar Chaturvedi 638-ball vigil showcased impeccable temperament, textbook technique, and the ability to score both gracefully and powerfully. “He hits the ball long, his sixes are a Bengaluru circuit legend,” adds Jeshwant, with pride evident in his voice.
Seven players from Jeshwant’s academy formed the core of the winning Karnataka team, a testament to their rigorous training and unwavering belief in their students.
As for Prakhar Chaturvedi, his journey has just begun. This record-breaking feat is a stepping stone, not the destination. His talent, coupled with his dedication and the support of his family and coaches, promises a future as sparkling as the diamonds he hit over the boundary.
So, remember the name: Prakhar Chaturvedi. The boy who dared to dream big, the teenager who rewrote history, and the young star whose bat promises to illuminate the cricketing landscape for years to come.
