In a remarkable display of cricketing prowess, a name that few might have recognized before is now etched in the annals of cricket history. Drona Desai, an 18-year-old cricketer from Gujarat, stunned the cricketing world by scoring an extraordinary 498 runs in a single innings. Representing St. Xaviers (Loyola), Desai achieved this monumental feat against JL English School during the Diwan Ballubhai Cup Under-19 tournament held in Gandhinagar at the Shivay Cricket Ground.
Desai’s colossal innings has earned him a place among the elite, joining the ranks of players like Pranav Dhanawade, Prithvi Shaw, and Armaan Jaffer, famed for their herculean scores in cricket. Speaking to the Indian Express, Desai revealed a surprising aspect of his performance: “I wasn’t aware I was so near to 500. There was no scoreboard, and my team didn’t inform me. I went to play my stroke and got out, but I’m happy to have made those runs,” he stated modestly.
Desai’s staggering knock consisted of 86 fours and seven sixes, achieved off 320 balls. His impressive performance ensured a decisive victory for St. Xaviers who won by an innings and 712 runs against a handicapped JL English School team that was missing a player. The match cemented Desai’s standing as one of the most promising young cricketers in the country.
The journey to this historic achievement began early for Desai, who has been playing cricket since he was seven years old. Driven by his father’s encouragement and the inspiration he drew from cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, Desai dedicated himself to the sport. “I began to play cricket at the age of seven and my father pushed me hard as he felt I have in me to become a good cricketer,” Desai said, reminiscing about his early days. His father introduced him to Jayprakash Patel, affectionately known as JP Sir, who has coached more than 40 cricketers.
. “Such is the scenario that since standard 8 to 12, I just went to school for my exams. I just continued playing cricket and am hoping to make it big one day,” Desai added.
Desai’s extraordinary feat is not just a personal milestone but also a beacon of inspiration for young cricketers across the nation. Having represented Gujarat at the Under-14 level, this recent achievement significantly bolsters his case for selection in the state’s Under-19 side. His name now stands proudly alongside those of Mumbai’s Pranav Dhanawade, who scored an unbelievable 1009* runs, Prithvi Shaw with a score of 546, Dr. Havewalla with 515, Chamanlal who scored 506 not out, and Arman Jaffer with 498, on the list of Indian cricketers with the longest innings.
The unprecedented innings has not only captured the imagination of cricket fans but has also garnered attention from talent scouts and coaches. Desai’s ability to maintain concentration and stamina over such a long period speaks volumes about his discipline and potential. As cricket pundits forecast, his future in the sport looks exceedingly bright.
In the aftermath of his record-breaking performance, Desai’s life is poised for change. Media attention, potential sponsorship deals, and offers from cricket academies are likely to follow. However, for Desai, the immediate goal remains singularly focused: to continue honing his skills and securing a place in professional cricket. “I hope to make it big one day,” Desai reiterated, underlining his dreams of reaching the highest echelons of cricket, inspired by the path paved by his idol, Sachin Tendulkar.
While the world celebrates this young talent’s phenomenal achievement, the cricketing community eagerly anticipates Desai’s next moves. His journey from a young boy wielding a bat in the local grounds of Gujarat to a record-setting cricketer has only just begun, promising much more excitement and inspiration in the days to come.
