Dravid by name, dynamite by nature: Anvay in sixes in Vinoo Mankad Trophy

Anvay Dravid continued his impressive run in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy by 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, hit five sixes and seven boundaries at 207.32 to produce another attacking performance in the Under-19-over-50 competition.

Anvay’s knock came just two days after he hit a 62-ball 104 in Karnataka’s 100-run win over Chandigarh on Saturday. The wicket-keeper batsman has been among Karnataka’s standout performers and has combined his captaincy duties with an aggressive approach that has added a new dimension to his game.

On Monday, Anvay provided the final boost to a formidable Karnataka outfit after Dhruv Krishnan attacked the Delhi bowlers. Krishnan smashed 103 off just 51 deliveries, setting the platform for Karnataka to move past the 400-run mark in Visakhapatnam. Screengrab from BCCI.TV

Anvay’s last innings reinforced the impression that he is getting more comfortable attacking the opposition bowlers in the shorter format. His ability to step up late in the innings was particularly evident during the tournament, with his century against Chandigarh and Monday’s quick-fire half-century underlining his appetite for risk.

The Karnataka captain has also been entrusted with the wicket duties, which increases his responsibility on the field. So far, the additional demands haven’t seemed to curtail 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 lost the match by eight wickets.

He carried that form into the Youth ODI series against Australia in September. In a rain-shortened first match in Rajkot, Anvay reached 38 off just 18 deliveriesincluding three sixes and two fours, helped 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 that the batsman is willing to take responsibility and dictate the pace rather than just keep his wicket.

For Karnataka, his form offers a strong finishing option. The challenge for Anvay will be to maintain this consistency as he continues his progression through age group cricket.

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