Natraj Behera: A Profile

Early Life

Natraj Behera was born on May 28, 1988, in Rourkela, Orissa, India. Growing up in a cricket-loving family, Natraj's early exposure to the sport kindled a passion that would define his life. Rourkela, famous for its steel plant, provided a humble backdrop for Natraj's cricketing aspirations, where he would spend hours honing his skills in local grounds. His family, recognizing his talent, encouraged him to pursue cricket seriously, and soon, Natraj would make a name for himself in regional tournaments.

Cricket Journey and Debut

Natraj's professional cricket journey began at the domestic level, where he represented Orissa in various age groups. His consistency with the bat quickly garnered attention, leading to his selection for the state team. Natraj made his List A debut for Orissa in 2004, and his performances impressed selectors. Behera's breakthrough came when he made his first-class debut in the 2006-07 Ranji Trophy. His impressive technique and ability to anchor innings soon made him a dependable player for Orissa. Though he faced initial challenges in a competitive environment, his determination and hard work pushed him through, resulting in a gradual rise in form and reputation.

Key Milestones and Achievements

Throughout his career, Natraj Behera made several notable achievements in domestic cricket. One of his standout performances came during the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy season, where he posted significant scores that helped propel Orissa into the knockout stages. His ability to play long innings and anchor the team showcased his maturity as a cricketer. Natraj received recognition for his performances in limited-overs cricket as well. He played a pivotal role in multiple games for Orissa in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where his ability to build innings and score briskly in the middle overs made him a valuable asset to his side.

Records and Statistics

Over the years, Natraj Behera accumulated impressive statistics across formats. His first-class record exemplifies his skill and perseverance, with a solid batting average and several centuries to his name. Here’s a breakdown of his career statistics:

Career Statistics

First-Class (FC) Statistics

• Matches: 94
• Innings: 158
• Runs: 5,314
• Batting Average: 36.12
• Centuries (100s): 12
• Half-Centuries (50s): 28
• Top Score: 202

List A Statistics

• Matches: 65
• Innings: 61
• Runs: 2,114
• Batting Average: 41.53
• Centuries (100s): 6
• Half-Centuries (50s): 12
• Top Score: 126

T20 Statistics

• Matches: 34
• Innings: 29
• Runs: 759
• Batting Average: 30.36
• Strike Rate: 132.23
• Top Score: 82

Impact on the Game

Natraj Behera's impact on Indian cricket, particularly at the domestic level, is significant. His journey reflects the dedication and hard work that many aspiring cricketers must emulate. While he may not have achieved international fame, his contributions to Orissa and Indian domestic cricket have inspired young players in his region to pursue their dreams. Behera's resilience in the face of challenges, his maturity as a batsman, and his ability to perform under pressure have solidified his reputation as a reliable player. His commitment to the game showcases that cricket is not solely defined by international appearances but also by the passion and love players have for the sport.

Conclusion

Natraj Behera's cricketing journey is one of perseverance, skill, and a deep-rooted love for the game. As a stalwart of Orissa cricket, he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. While he might have hung up his boots, his contributions to the game will remain etched in the annals of Indian cricket history.

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Please Note: This content was generated with the assistance of AI (ChatGPT by OpenAI), and it is not reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and clarity.