For his stupendous performance with four back-to-back centuries in last Ranji season, Rourkela lad and Odisha cricketer Natraj Behera has been awarded Sahid Sporting Maruti Estate Cricketer of the Year award on Sunday night. Behera got cash prize of Rs25,000 and a trophy.
Behera had scored four consecutive centuries in December 2013 in Ranji Trophy matches against heavyweights and became the first Odisha player to hit four back -to-back centuries in a Ranji season. It was not only pride and joy of the Rourkelaites but for the entire Odisha.
He scored 158 against New Delhi at Sambalpur, 130 and 127 not out against Mumbai at the Wankhade stadium, Mumbai and thereafter scored 106 against Gujarat at Ahmedabad. For his outstanding performance in Ranji Trophy, Behera, thereafter, had been selected in a 15-member Rest of India squad. Even if Behera was not purchased by any franchisee in this year’s IPl auction, he had been listed for the cash rich Indian Premier league this year.
Earlier, Behera had been felicitated here by the Rourkela Sports Association for his outstanding performance in the Ranji season. He had been named as captain of Odisha one day cricket team for Vijay Hazare Trophy which was played at Ranchi from February 27 to March 7.
Behera resides at sector-14 area in Rourkela town along with his mother Chitra Behera. His father Bhuban Behera had passed away during his childhood. Chitra had to take job at Rourkela Steel Plant and is currently working in the Ispat General Hospital.
During his childhood days, while Behera started playing cricket here, one Chita Mishra, a local cricketer, had noticed his talent and played a role as mentor. late Harmohan Praharaj, a well known cricketer of the State, had also played a pivotal role in promoting Behera.
He first represented Odisha as Batsman in Under-17 Vijay Merchant Trophy in 2003-04 and 2004-05 season. In 2004-05 season, he got the opportunity to represent all India under-17 National Cricket Academy Camp.
In 2005-06 and 2006-07 season, he represented under-19 Cooch Behar Trophy. In 2006-07 season, he was selected and represented under-19 National Cricket Academy Camp. He represented CK Nayudu Trophy in 2007-08, 2008-08 and 2009-10 season in under-22 category.
From 2008-09 to 2011-12 season, he represented Odisha as list A category for Senior National One day. He represented Odisha in first class category for Ranji Trophy as captain and batsman from 2008-09 to 2012-13.
In 2008-09 season, he represented East Zone in list A category in Deodhar Trophy, where East Zone had entered into final. In 2010-11 to 2012-13 season, he also played in first class category in Duleep Trophy as captain. With his class performance over the years, he had been noticed and for which he had been selected for the camp of much hyped Indian Premier league (IPl) in 2008-09 season for Kolkata Knight Riders.