Madhya Pradesh’s star batter Rajat Patidar delivered one of the fastest centuries in Ranji Trophy history during his team’s third-round match against Haryana on Tuesday. Patidar, batting at No. 3, reached his first century of the season in just 68 balls, breaking Madhya Pradesh’s previous record set by Naman Ojha, who scored a 69-ball ton against Karnataka in 2015.
Though Patidar’s century was great, it still falls short of the all-time fastest Ranji Trophy hundred, a 48-ball century by Rishabh Pant. Former Himachal Pradesh batter Shakti Singh reportedly smashed a 45-ball century in 1990 against Haryana, but due to lack of proper documentation, it was never officially recorded.
Patidar’s assault on day 4
Madhya Pradesh had earlier conceded a first-innings lead to Haryana, being bowled out for 308 at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Haryana responded with 440, building a 132-run lead. With limited time left on Day 4, MP launched an aggressive approach, led by Patidar’s sensational batting.
Patidar’s knock included 11 fours and three sixes, reaching the century mark for the 13th time in his First-Class career. He accelerated further, scoring 159 off 102 balls with a total of 13 fours and seven sixes. MP declared at 308 for four in just 48.4 overs, setting Haryana a target of 171 runs.
Bouncing back after a tough start
Patidar faced initial struggles this domestic season, managing only 146 runs in six innings during the Duleep Trophy and a modest performance in the Ranji Trophy’s opening round. However, he regained form with a solid 90 in the previous match against Punjab.
A journey of highs and lows in the national team
The 31-year-old batter made his Test debut earlier this year against England in Visakhapatnam but couldn’t make a big impact, scoring only 63 runs in six innings. He was subsequently dropped from the Test squad and was also not included in the India A team touring Australia.
Patidar was a key figure in Madhya Pradesh’s title-winning campaign in the 2021-22 Ranji season, where he amassed 658 runs in nine innings, including two centuries and five fifties. In the final match against Mumbai, he scored a crucial 122 and an unbeaten 30, guiding MP to a six-wicket victory.
Fastest Ranji Trophy hundreds
48 balls – Rishabh Pant (2016/17)
56 balls – Riyan Parag (2023-24)
56 balls – RK Borah (1987/88)
60 balls – S Reuben Paul (1995/96)
68 balls – Rajat Patidar (2024-25)
69 balls – Naman Ojha (2015-16)
