In the Cooch Behar Trophy final Karnataka was chasing a total of 380 scored by Mumbai. Opener Prakhar Chaturvedi alone scored 24 runs more than the Mumbai total and remained unbeaten with 404 runs. Karnataka, who piled up a mammoth total of 890 for the loss of eight wickets won the match by virtue of the first innings lead.

Prakhar became the first player to score a quadruple in the Cooch Behar Trophy. He broke the 24-year-old record of Yuvraj Sing’s previous best of 358. In the evening of the last day of the tournament Prakhar’s phone was constantly busy receiving phone calls.

Speaking to News 18 he said, “It feels really great that I have been able to perform in this kind of match. It was a big game for us and everyone has come to watch it.” He further added that scoring 404 runs is a proud moment for him. “Mumbai wale yahi bol rahe the ki hamara score na beat karde” said Prakhar with a laugh.

The youngster was batting very normally when he crossed 300. He was confident of winning the match and was batting in an open mind. Gradually he reached the milestone. 

Prakhar is a very close friend of Samit, son of former Indian captain and current Indian Coach Rahul Dravid. The young talent was lucky enough to get some batting lessons from Rahul Dravid. Prakhar and Samit has been playing together since U-10 days and had many good partnerships in the academy games. During his visits to Dravid, Prakhar was advised to ask the bowlers, during net practice, their field placements and bat accordingly presuming the match situation.  

Prakhar was not selected in the U-19 World Cup squad. Instead of being disappointed continued with his practice. At the time of selection trails, he was a little off form. Encouraged by his coach and selectors he recovered his form and was selected for the Vinoo Mankad trophy. The part-time leg spinner, Prakhar, keeps fitness as top priority and regularly goes to the gym since his U-16 days.

Prakhar said, “In a week I do 2-3 days of gym and 3-4 hours of practice.” He keeps a check in his routine such that he never gets tired. This routine he follows during the off season. During season his focus is on the skill.

Prakhar started playing cricket at the SIX academy of Bangaluru since 2017 when he was eight years old. He then joined Frontiers Academy. He then switched to RXCA where he met Ranjan Sir. It was Ranjan Sir who worked on his skill and convinced his father that Prakhar has the ability to play in higher level cricket. Prakhar has enjoyed a lot of encouragement from his parents. His father owns a Soft Wire company while his mother is associated with Defence Research and Development Organization. Even if Prakhar is not getting runs his parents encourage him and advise him to continue with his practice.