Dravid by name, dynamite by nature: Anvay in six-hitting spree in Vinoo Mankad Trophy
Anvay Dravid continued his impressive run in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, smashing a blistering 85 off just 41 deliveries against Delhi Under-19 as Karnataka piled up 418 for four in 49 overs on Monday.
The 17-year-old, the younger son of former India captain and head coach Rahul Dravid, struck five sixes and seven boundaries at a strike rate of 207.32, producing another attacking display in the Under-19 50-over competition.
Anvay’s knock came just two days after he struck a 62-ball 104 in Karnataka’s 100-run victory over Chandigarh on Saturday. The wicketkeeper-batter has been among the standout performers for Karnataka, combining his responsibilities as captain with an aggressive approach that has added a new dimension to his game.
On Monday, Anvay provided the finishing flourish to an imposing Karnataka total after Dhruv Krishnan had taken the attack to the Delhi bowlers. Krishnan smashed 103 off just 51 deliveries, setting the platform for Karnataka to push beyond the 400-run mark in Visakhapatnam.
Anvay’s latest innings reinforced the impression that he is increasingly comfortable taking the attack to opposition bowlers in the shorter format. His ability to accelerate late in an innings has been particularly evident during the tournament, with his century against Chandigarh and Monday’s rapid half-century underlining his appetite for risk-taking.
The Karnataka captain has also been entrusted with wicketkeeping duties, adding to his responsibilities on the field. So far, the additional demands have not appeared to curb his attacking instincts with the bat.
His domestic performances follow an encouraging start to his India Under-19 career. Anvay made an immediate impression during India’s Youth ODI tour of Sri Lanka in July, scoring 87 off 67 balls in the second match at Hambantota. The innings included nine fours and a six, although India went on to lose the match by eight wickets.
He carried that form into the Youth ODI series against Australia in September. In the rain-shortened first match in Rajkot, Anvay struck 38 off just 18 deliveries, including three sixes and two fours, helping India post 182 for six in a match reduced to 20 overs. India eventually secured a seven-run victory.
With the Vinoo Mankad Trophy providing another opportunity to develop his game, Anvay has made an encouraging start to the season. His recent knocks suggest a batter willing to take responsibility and dictate the tempo, rather than merely preserve his wicket.
For Karnataka, his form offers a potent finishing option. For Anvay, the challenge will be to sustain that consistency as he continues his progression through age-group cricket.
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