Asked if Saturday was the best day of his career after his whirlwind 121 off 47 balls against the VIDA Kovai Kings in the TNPL at the NPR College ground here, Madurai Panthers’ N.S. Chaturved did not hesitate.

“Definitely. Without a doubt. I felt like everything struck the sweet spot,” said the 35-year-old, who reached his maiden TNPL hundred in just 40 balls, the fastest century in the league’s history.

He dedicated his Player-of-the-Match award to his family, especially his father. “He would have been proud had he been there today,” he said, after his team chased down 240 with six wickets and three balls to spare.

Chaturved said his approach was uncomplicated. “The plan was simple. I wanted to go all out for every ball.”

He also revealed coach K.B. Arun Karthik’s pep talk before the match. “He said: ‘We have one of the best bowling attacks. So, if they can do it against us, then we can also do it.’ So, we all believed,” said the No. 3 batter.

Chaturved, who captained the side last season, said not having the burden of captaincy had given him greater freedom this year.

“Yes, a little bit. Feel like I’m playing with a bit more freedom. That’s what captain Anirudh Sita Ram and the team management want me to do – play freely. I think I did that today and I hope to carry on,” he said.

Published on Aug 08, 2026