India cricketers MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane have led the defence of teenage cricketer Pranav Dhanawade's record-breaking knock of 1,009 in an inter-school match.
Since Dhanawade, 15, smashed 129 fours and 59 sixes in his staggering 323-ball knock for KC Gandhi School for Arya Gurukul to become the first batsman, in any form of cricket, to score 1,000 runs in an innings, questions have begun to be asked about the validity of the effort.
The losing side’s coach, Yogesh Jagtap, told the Mumbai Mirror that he had cobbled together a team of 12 year olds for the under 16s match because many first-team regulars were busy with exams.
“We were playing only for commitment,” he told the tabloid, revealing that some of his players were more used to fielding with tennis balls and had yet to overcome their fear of the leather ball.
Gallery
In pictures: Indian schoolboy hits epic and unbeaten 1,009 in inter-school cricket match
Those quotes, added to reports the boundaries was only 30 yards long, and that Dhanawade was reportedly dropped 21 times by his opponents, have been used as ammunition to play down his achievement.
But Dhoni, who led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup, said the teenager deserved more credit to his heroics.
“Scoring 1,009 runs is not a joke,” Dhoni said yesterday in a news conference ahead of India’s one-day international series in Australia, which starts next week. “It’s a tremendous effort and shows a glimpse of talent.”
Dhoni’s teammate Rahane agreed. “This is a very big thing to bat for one-and-a-half days and needs immense concentration and focus,” he said.
Dhanawade’s father, Prashant, said he was determined the success would not go to his son’s head and that he would focus on his schooling.
“We have not been able to sleep properly for two days but the attention will fade soon,” he said.
“For now Pranav needs to put his bat to one side and study for crucial exams in March.
“He’s very young and I would be very happy if he plays for India, but there are many steps before he can get there.”
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