Category: Cricket

Drona Desai’s Historic 498: A Milestone in Inter-School Cricket

Ahmedabad, Gujarat – Drona Desai, an 18-year-old batsman from St. Xavier’s Loyola Hall, has etched his name in the annals of inter-school cricket history by scoring a colossal 498 runs in the Diwan Ballubhai Cup (U-19). His remarkable innings, played at the Shivaay Cricketing Hub in Karai, Gandhinagar, has made him the highest scorer in inter-school cricket in Gujarat and the joint third-highest in India.

Desai’s marathon knock spanned 372 minutes, during which he unleashed a flurry of 86 boundaries and seven sixes off 320 deliveries. His innings was a testament to his exceptional technique, patience, and shot-making ability. Despite falling two runs short of the coveted 500-run mark, Desai’s achievement is a testament to his immense talent and dedication.

“I am disappointed that I missed 500 by two runs, but overall, I’m very happy,” said Desai after his historic innings. “I dedicate this knock to Jay Prakash Patel Sir, under whom I’ve been training since I was seven.”

Patel, a renowned coach who has nurtured the careers of several notable cricketers, including Parthiv Patel and Priyank Panchal, has played a pivotal role in Desai’s development. “JP Sir taught me to put a price on my wicket,” said Desai. “In my innings, I hit 86 fours and only seven sixes. Most of the fours were ground shots. He told me to hit only ground shots till I was 14 years old. I started practicing aerial shots only after that.”

Desai’s coach at St. Xavier’s, Mitul Patel, praised his maturity and technical prowess. “The best thing about his batting is his maturity,” said Patel. “He plays every ball on merit. He has good technique. He can play on the front or back foot with aplomb and he plays each ball as late as possible.”

Desai’s historic innings was part of a dominant performance by St. Xavier’s Loyola Hall. Het Desai contributed with a blistering 142 off 98 balls, while captain Viraj Talati scored an unbeaten 104 off 93 balls. The trio’s collective efforts helped St. Xavier’s amass a mammoth 844/7 in their first innings.

JL English School, Maninagar, were outclassed in both innings, scoring only 40 and 92 runs respectively. St. Xavier’s cruised to an emphatic innings and 712-run victory, highlighting the gulf in class between the two teams.

Drona Desai’s record-breaking innings has not only brought him individual glory but has also put Gujarat on the map of Indian inter-school cricket. His achievement is a testament to the state’s rich cricketing tradition and the potential of its young players.