Prakhar Chaturvedi slams 404* in Cooch Behar Trophy final
Karnataka batter Prakhar Chaturvedi entered the record books with his splendid knock in the 2023/24 Cooch Behar Trophy final. He smashed an unbeaten 404, guiding Karnataka to 890/8d against Mumbai, who perished for 380. Prakhar became the first player to score 400 in the Cooch Behar Trophy final. Notably, Harshil Dharmani was the only other centurion in the innings. Karnataka eventually claimed the title.
A record-breaking knock from Prakhar
Prakhar added a century stand with his opening partner Karthik S (50). The former then shared a massive 290-run stand with Dharmani for the second wicket. Prakhar took Karnataka from 399/2 to 551 along with Karthikeya (72). Toward the innings' end, Prakhar had two other crucial partnerships, with Hardik Raj and Samarth N. Prakhar eventually smashed a 638-ball 404* (46 fours and 3 sixes).
Karnataka win Cooch Behar Trophy
As mentioned, Mumbai were bowled out for 380 in 113.5 overs in the first innings. Hardik Raj took four wickets for Karnataka. In response, Karnataka declared their innings at 890/8 on Day 4. They won the match based on their first-inning lead. Notably, the Cooch Behar Trophy is India's national four-day cricket tournament held annually for Under-19 players.
Prakhar enters record books
Prakhar breaks Yuvraj Singh's record
According to ESPNcricinfo, Prakhar, with his knock, broke former Indian batter Yuvraj Singh's 24-year-old record. The legendary left-hander smashed an unbeaten 358 for Punjab against Bihrar in the 1999/00 Cooch Behar Trophy final. Notably, Mahendra Singh Dhoni featured for Bihar in the match. Besides, Prakhar now has the second-highest individual score in the overall tournament, after Vijay Zol (451* for Maharashtra against Assam, 2011/12).
Prakhar proves his mettle
It is worth noting that Prakhar wasn't picked in the initial Under-19 squad for the season. He also missed the ICC Under-19 World Cup berth. The teenager could now make his debut for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy.
Who is Prakhar Chaturvedi?
Prakhar started his cricket training at an academy in 2017. He boasts a strong academic background as his father is a software engineer in Bangalore. Prakhar's mother is a scientist at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). K Jeshwant, who coaches Prakhar, described how he continued to deliver despite missing the Under-16s and Under-19s. The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for Prakhar.
