In a twist of fate that sounds straight out of a film script, Mangal Prasad, a school dropout from Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district, turned a modest Rs 39 into a staggering Rs 4 crore, thanks to a fantasy cricket app. The 31-year-old’s winning streak during the April 29 IPL clash between Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings has now made him a local legend and the toast of Ghasi Ram Purwa village.

According to a by India Today, Prasad, who works at a plywood factory in Hapur, had been trying his luck on Dream11 for months, usually with Rs 49 entries. This time, he went in with Rs 39 and hit the jackpot. After tax deductions, he will take home Rs 2.8 crore, still enough to leave jaws on the floor.

Son of farmer Sukhlal Saroj and one of eight siblings, Prasad is married and has three children. His windfall has gone viral, with video of him discussing his plans of starting a business with the money won. “I used to lose often but kept trying,” he said.

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But while the celebration is loud, so are the warnings. Social media users were quick to chime in: “This is rare luck, not a career plan,” one user wrote. Another cautioned, “Don’t gamble your savings away chasing miracles.”

For now, Prasad is still waiting for the prize money to reflect in his account.

Disclaimer: Financial Express do not endorse using fantasy cricket apps. The article does not reflect any official position of the organisation on any such related applications.