Wed Sep 25 09:01:08 UTC 2024: ## Gujarat Teenager Smashes Record 498 Runs in Under-19 Tournament

**Gandhinagar, Gujarat:** Drona Desai, an 18-year-old student from St. Xaviers (Loyola) school, has etched his name in the history books by smashing a record-breaking 498 runs in a Diwan Ballubhai Cup under-19 tournament. His mammoth innings, played against JL English School at the Shivay cricket ground, saw Desai surpass the scores of several legendary Indian cricketers.

Desai’s innings, which spanned 320 balls, included seven sixes and 86 fours, and helped his team secure a massive innings and 712 runs win over JL English School. Notably, JL English School was playing with only 10 players after one of their players arrived late for the match.

Desai’s 498 runs put him in an elite group of Indian cricketers who have achieved such high scores in an innings. He joined a list that includes Mumbai’s Pranav Dhanawade (1009 not out), Prithvi Shaw (546), Dr Havewalla (515), Chamanlal (506 not out) and Arman Jaffer (498).

“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,” Desai said after the match.

Desai’s love for cricket began at the age of seven, inspired by his idol Sachin Tendulkar. His father, recognizing his son’s talent, provided him with quality coaching under renowned coach Jayprakash Patel. “My father pushed me hard as he felt I have in me to become a good cricketer. He took me to JP Sir (Jayprakash Patel) who had coached more than 40 cricketers,” Desai shared.

His dedication to the sport has been evident since standard 8, as Desai prioritized cricket over academics, attending school only for exams. This commitment has paid off, as Desai has represented Gujarat at the Under-14 level and his recent performance could potentially earn him a place in the U-19 team.

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