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

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

Rishabh Pant – 48 Balls

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

Pant, who batted for Delhi in the second innings, was under pressure as his team faced the threat of a follow-on after Jharkhand posted a sizeable 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 develop on the international stage.

Rajesh Borah – 56 balls

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

Although official scoring records were less complete at the time, Borah’s innings remains one of the historic moments of the tournament, showing the great 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 Assam’s Riyan Parag equaled Borah’s 56-ball record, cementing his place in Ranji Trophy history with the second-fastest century. Playing against Chhattisgarh in Raipur, Parag’s 87-ball knock of 155 included a whopping 12 sixes and 11 fours.

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

Rubén 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 fastest Ranji centuries. His century, achieved at a rapid pace, helped Tamil Nadu dominate that particular game.

Although Paul did not achieve international fame, his performance in Ranji remains notable for its pace and impact.

Rajat Patidar – 68 balls

Rajat Patidar has often shown occasional brilliance, and his 68-ball century for Madhya Pradesh against Haryana in Indore exemplified his power batting ability.

Achieving this milestone at a time when Madhya Pradesh’s batting line-up needed quick runs on the final day, Patidar’s performance further solidified his position as a reliable batsman in domestic cricket. The batsman finally scored 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.