Rajat Patidar Enters Top 5 List with 68-ball Century

The Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic cricket competition, has seen some explosive batting performances over the years. In recent seasons, uncapped and upcoming players have delivered thrilling centuries at remarkable speeds. Recently, Madhya Pradesh batter Rajat Patidar entered the list with a 68-ball century against Haryana.

Here’s a closer look at some of the fastest hundreds in the history of the Ranji Trophy (where data was available):

Rishabh Pant – 48 Balls

In the 2016-17 Ranji season, Rishabh Pant stunned cricket fans with a blistering 48-ball century against Jharkhand, the fastest hundred in the history of the competition. 

Batting for Delhi in the second innings, Pant was under pressure, as his team faced the threat of a follow-on after Jharkhand posted a sizable total. His 135-run innings included eight fours and 13 sixes, propelling Delhi to a respectable position and eventually securing a draw. This century not only established Pant’s reputation for aggressive batting but also hinted at the potential he would later fulfill on the international stage.

Rajesh Borah – 56 Balls

Back in the 1987-88 season, Assam’s Rajesh Borah set the standard for aggressive batting with a 56-ball hundred against Tripura in Guwahati. Borah’s feat was significant not only for its time but also for coming from a relatively lesser-known cricketing state like Assam. 

Although official scoring records were less comprehensive at the time, Borah’s innings remains one of the tournament’s historic moments, showing the sheer talent emerging from Assam long before the state began producing more prominent players.

Riyan Parag – 56 Balls

Fast forward to the 2023-24 season, and Riyan Parag of Assam matched Borah’s 56-ball record, cementing his place in Ranji Trophy history with the second-fastest century. Playing against Chhattisgarh in Raipur, Parag’s knock of 155 off 87 balls featured an incredible 12 sixes and 11 fours. 

Notably, Parag’s innings came in a follow-on situation, adding to the intensity of his knock. Although Assam ultimately lost the match, Parag’s aggressive play demonstrated his potential to impact games significantly, especially in clutch situations.

Reuben Paul – 60 Balls

In the 1995-96 season, Tamil Nadu’s Reuben Paul scored a 60-ball hundred against Goa in Madras, adding his name to the list of the fastest Ranji centuries. His century, achieved at a brisk pace, helped Tamil Nadu dominate that particular game.

Although Paul did not go on to international fame, his Ranji performance remains noteworthy for its pace and impact.

Rajat Patidar – 68 Balls

Rajat Patidar has often come up with occasional brilliance, and his 68-ball century for Madhya Pradesh against Haryana in Indore exemplified his power-hitting capability. 

Achieving this milestone at a time when Madhya Pradesh’s batting lineup needed quick runs on the final day, Patidar’s performance further solidified his position as a dependable batter in domestic cricket. The batter finally went on to score 150 off 97 deliveries. He also set the record for the fastest Ranji Trophy Hundred for Madhya Pradesh, eclipsing Naman Ojha’s record in 69 balls.