Who is Prakhar Chaturvedi? - Everything you need to know about Karnataka's U19 quadruple centurion

In a remarkable feat, Karnataka's Prakhar Chaturvedi showcased sheer cricketing prowess by facing 638 deliveries to amass a historic 404 runs in the Cooch Behar Trophy final on Monday. The exceptional innings not only etched Chaturvedi's name in the record books but also brought glory to Karnataka in the important tournament as they clinched their maiden title.

In an unbeaten inning of brilliance, Chaturvedi also shattered a 24-year-old record held by Yuvraj Singh. His phenomenal knock of 404 surpassed Yuvraj's previous record of 358 in the title clash. Karnataka dominated, posting a colossal 890/8 in 223 overs in response to Mumbai's 380 all out at Shivamogga. Chaturvedi's historic innings played a pivotal role in Karnataka's commanding performance. 

Hailing from a family that prioritises academics, Chaturvedi's father, Sanjay Kumar Chaturvedi, heads a software firm in Electronics City, while his mother, Rupa, serves as a technical advisor in DRDO.

“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 was quoted by NDTV.

“They (parents) 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 added.

Chaturvedi credited his coach Karthik Jeshwant, a former Karnataka skipper, for his success. Chaturvedi has honed his craft under the Jeshwant’s tutelage at the SIX Cricket Academy at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Excellence.

“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,” said Chaturvedi.

An elatedly proud Jeshwant could not help but praise his student, terming him “dedicated” and a player with a “mature head on his shoulders”.

“Prakhar is a dedicated boy. He keeps coming to the academy (near Devanahalli) from his home (Bellandur), which is quite a distance away. 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,” said Jeshwant.