India’s premier domestic tournament, the Ranji Trophy has seen exceptional displays of batting skills in its illustrious history, as several cricketers have etched their names in the record books with a few quick centuries. These awe-inspiring innings not only highlighted the individual talent of the batsmen but also added an extra layer of excitement to the prestigious domestic competition. These record-setting centuries, crafted by explosive and skillful strokeplay, serve as testimony to the outstanding talents who grace the Ranji Trophy and give a glimpse into the genius landscape of Indian cricket.
Rishabh Pant (48 balls/2016-17)
Rishabh Pant etched his name in the history of the tournament with a stellar performance during the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season and holds the record for the fastest century in Ranji Trophy. During the second innings of the match against Jharkhand in Thiruvananthapuram, the Delhi batsman reached the remarkable feat in just 48 balls.
After Delhi was already given a follow-on, Pant’s century proved to be important at a crucial juncture of the game. Jharkhand scored 493 runs in the first innings, in response to which Delhi scored 334 runs. Rishabh Pant not only scored a century off 82 balls in the first innings, but followed it up with a 48-ball century in the second innings, and eventually made a crucial contribution in Delhi’s equalizer attempt.
Displaying an impressive display of batting skills, Rishabh Pant finished the innings with an excellent score of 135 off 67 balls with the help of 8 fours and 13 sixes.
Riyan Parag (56 balls/2023-24)
In a surprising turn of events during the ongoing 2023-24 Ranji Trophy match between Assam and Chhattisgarh, Assam skipper Riyan Parag saved himself by performing brilliantly in the second innings after being dismissed cheaply for 8 runs in the first innings. Parag scored the second-fastest century in Ranji Trophy history in just 56 balls against Chhattisgarh in Raipur.
His extraordinary innings came when Assam was struggling after getting the follow-on. However, Parag’s innings played a crucial role in saving Assam from the crisis, but they eventually lost the match as Chhattisgarh successfully chased down a modest target of 87 runs in the fourth innings. Riyan Parag’s remarkable performance ended with an impressive score of 155 off 87 balls, highlighting his potential with the help of 11 fours and 12 sixes.
Naman Ojha (69 balls/2014-15)
An exceptional performance came during the 2014-15 Ranji Trophy when Madhya Pradesh’s Naman Ojha created history by scoring the third-fastest century. Ojha’s amazing knock came against Karnataka in Indore, where he completed his century in just 69 balls. Finishing the innings with a brilliant score of 115 runs off 81 balls, he demonstrated his batting ability with the help of 8 fours and 9 sixes. Importantly, Ojha’s innings played a key role in Madhya Pradesh drawing the match.
Eklavya Dwivedi (72 balls/2014-15)
Similarly, in the same season, Uttar Pradesh’s Eklavya Dwivedi performed brilliantly by scoring the fourth-fastest century in the history of the tournament. During the match against Railways in Delhi, Dwivedi achieved this feat in just 72 balls. He finished the innings with an unbeaten score of 102 off 73 balls, demonstrating his batting ability with the help of 15 fours and 3 sixes. In the winning attempt, Uttar Pradesh emerged victorious by winning the match by 7 wickets.
Rishabh Pant (82 balls/2016-17)
Putting up an impressive display of aggressive batting during the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy, Delhi’s Rishabh Pant registered his name in history by scoring the fifth-fastest century. Achieving this remarkable feat in just 82 balls against Jharkhand in Thiruvananthapuram, Pant’s innings showcased his explosive style. The innings ended with a brilliant innings of 117 runs off 106 balls with the help of 9 fours and 8 sixes.
Despite Pant’s brilliant performance, the match eventually ended in a draw.
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