Madhya Pradesh batter Rajat Patidar reignited his domestic season with a stunning 68-ball century during his team’s third-round Ranji Trophy match against Haryana at the Holkar Stadium, Indore.
Batting at No. 3 on the final day, Patidar’s blistering knock not only broke records but also revived Madhya Pradesh’s hopes in the match.Patidar surpassed the previous fastest century record for Madhya Pradesh, set by Naman Ojha’s 69-ball ton against Karnataka in 2015. His effort now stands as the fifth-fastest century in Ranji Trophy history. The all-time record remains with Rishabh Pant, who smashed a 48-ball hundred against Jharkhand in 2016. Shakti Singh’s 45-ball ton in 1990 against Haryana is not officially recognized due to poor documentation.
Earlier in the game, Madhya Pradesh found themselves on the back foot after being bundled out for 308 in their first innings. Haryana responded with 440, taking a 132-run lead. With just two sessions left on Day 4, Madhya Pradesh needed to score quickly to set a competitive target. Patidar took charge, launching an aggressive assault on Haryana’s bowlers. His innings featured 11 fours and three sixes, propelling MP to 308/4 in only 48.4 overs before they declared, leaving Haryana with a 171-run target.
Rajat Patidar storms back into form
This century marked a crucial turning point for the 31-year-old, who had struggled for form at the start of the domestic season. Patidar had a disappointing run in the Duleep Trophy, where he managed just 146 runs across six innings, followed by a lackluster opening round in the Ranji Trophy. However, he hinted at a resurgence with a solid 90 in the previous match against Punjab.
Despite making his Test debut earlier this year against England, Patidar has yet to make a lasting impact on the international stage. He managed only 63 runs across six innings in the series and was subsequently dropped from the Test squad. Furthermore, he was left out of the India A squad for their upcoming tour of Australia.
Patidar’s performance comes at a crucial time as he aims to secure his spot in the national setup and impress IPL franchises ahead of the 2025 season. His heroics in the Ranji Trophy not only demonstrate his ability to bounce back but also highlight his potential to deliver under pressure, keeping him in contention for future opportunities.