He has been a crucial cog in the RCB middle-order.
A Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star has put up an emphatic display in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 by slamming one of the fastest centuries in the tournament’s history.
Rajat Patidar, who has been a crucial cog in the RCB middle-order drove up his stocks ahead of the IPL 2025 retention deadline on October 31 as the IPL teams take their final decisions for their list of retained and released players.
The 31-year-old struck the fifth fastest century in Ranji history, coming off 68 balls, comprising 11 fours and three sixes during Day 4 of the match between Madhya Pradesh and Haryana.
While India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant holds the record of the fastest ton in Ranji Trophy, Patidar’s knock saw him topple the previous Madhya Pradesh record held by Naman Ojha with a 69-ball hundred against Karnataka in 2015.
Notablty, this was also Patidar’s 13th First-Class hundred.
Rajat Patidar faced challenges early in the domestic season, managing just 146 runs over six innings in the Duleep Trophy in September. His form remained elusive at the beginning of the Ranji Trophy as well, but he rebounded with a solid 90 in the last match against Punjab.
Patidar had made his Test debut earlier this year against England in Visakhapatnam. However, he struggled to make a significant impact, scoring only 63 runs across six innings, which led to his exclusion from the Test squad. Additionally, he was not selected for the India A team heading to Australia for two upcoming matches starting Thursday (October 31).
Patidar’s recent knock will thus serve as a testament to his sheer prowess and play a crucial role in reviving his fortunes, especially with the IPL 2025 auction drawing closer.
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