The Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic tournament, has long been the proving ground for cricketing legends. Known for testing patience and technique, it occasionally witnesses breathtaking brilliance. Few moments match the thrill of a blazing century that defies convention and lights up the format. Here’s a look at the Top 5 Fastest Centuries in Ranji Trophy History, where fearless strokeplay met first-class cricket’s toughest stage.
Let`s take a look at the Top 5 Fastest Centuries in Ranji Trophy History:
5. Rajat Patidar – 100 in 68 Balls vs Haryana (2023-24)
Rounding off the Top 5 Fastest Centuries in Ranji Trophy History is Rajat Patidar’s scintillating 68-ball hundred against Haryana in Indore during the 2023–24 season. A blend of class and control, Patidar showcased his trademark precision—dispatching loose deliveries with authority while maintaining composure throughout.
Following his IPL exploits for RCB and solid performances with India A, this knock was another statement of intent. It played a pivotal role in Madhya Pradesh’s massive total and reaffirmed his status as one of domestic cricket’s most dependable top-order batters.
Rajat Patidar – Fastest Century Stats
| Balls | Team | Opposition | Venue | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | Madhya Pradesh | Haryana | Indore | 2023–24 |
4. Reuben Paul – 100 in 60 Balls vs Goa (1995-96)
Reuben Paul may not be a household name today, but his explosive innings for Tamil Nadu against Goa in Madras during the mid-90s remains iconic in the Top 5 Fastest Centuries in Ranji Trophy History. Blazing to his hundred in just 60 balls, Paul combined fearless intent with smart shot selection to tear into the opposition.
On a pitch offering early movement, he launched a counterattack that shifted momentum swiftly. His knock not only put Tamil Nadu in control but also set a benchmark for aggressive middle-order batting in the domestic arena.
Reuben Paul – Fastest Century Stats
| Balls | Team | Opposition | Venue | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | Tamil Nadu | Goa | Madras | 1995–96 |
3. Riyan Parag – 100 in 56 Balls vs Chhattisgarh (2023-24)
Matching a long-standing record, Riyan Parag stormed into the Top 5 Fastest Centuries in Ranji Trophy History with a blistering 56-ball hundred against Chhattisgarh in the 2023–24 season. Renowned for his T20 aggression, Parag translated that flair into the red-ball format, attacking with a strike rate that left bowlers clueless and fielders chasing leather.
What made the knock special was his mature shot selection and smart reading of the field. Known for his IPL performances with Rajasthan Royals, this innings reinforced his red-ball credentials and his ambition to earn a spot in the national side.
Riyan Parag – Fastest Century Stats
| Balls | Team | Opposition | Venue | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | Assam | Chhattisgarh | Naya Raipur | 2023–24 |
2. Rajesh Borah – 100 in 56 Balls vs Tripura (1987-88)
Long before the T20 era reshaped the game, Rajesh Borah blazed his way into the Top 5 Fastest Centuries in Ranji Trophy History with a stunning 56-ball hundred for Assam against Tripura in Guwahati during the 1987–88 season. His fearless strokeplay and clean hitting were unheard of in an era dominated by cautious batting.
Though he never became a national star, Borah’s record stood unbroken for nearly 30 years. His innings remains a source of pride in Assam cricket, inspiring future generations and earning its place among the finest domestic performances from the Northeast.
Rajesh Borah – Fastest Century Stats
| Balls | Team | Opposition | Venue | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | Assam | Tripura | Guwahati | 1987–88 |
1. Rishabh Pant – 100 in 48 Balls vs Jharkhand (2016-17)
Rishabh Pant’s breathtaking 48-ball century against Jharkhand in Thumba during the 2016–17 season tops the Top 5 Fastest Centuries in Ranji Trophy History. Just 19 at the time, Pant redefined fearless batting with an explosive display of boundaries and sixes that left both opponents and fans in awe.
What set this innings apart was Pant’s remarkable blend of aggression and control. With audacious lofted drives, bold pulls, and inventive strokes, he not only powered Delhi into a strong position but also heralded the rise of a new era of attacking wicket-keeper batters in Indian cricket.
Rishabh Pant – Fastest Century Stats
| Balls | Team | Opposition | Venue | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | Delhi | Jharkhand | Thumba | 2016–17 |
Conclusion
The Top 5 Fastest Centuries in Ranji Trophy History are more than just statistical marvels—they’re landmark moments that challenged the traditional rhythms of first-class cricket. From Rajesh Borah’s trailblazing knock in the 80s to Rishabh Pant’s explosive century that redefined modern wicket-keeping, each innings showcased a rare blend of aggression, skill, and fearlessness. These knocks not only turned matches on their heads but also inspired a shift in mindset, proving that red-ball cricket can be just as thrilling and dynamic as the shorter formats.
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FAQ`s
Q1: Who holds the record for the fastest century in Ranji Trophy history?
A: Rishabh Pant holds the record for the fastest century in Ranji Trophy history, scoring a hundred off just 48 balls against Jharkhand during the 2016–17 season.
Q: How many balls did Riyan Parag take to score his fastest Ranji century?
A: Riyan Parag scored his century in just 56 balls against Chhattisgarh in the 2023–24 season, equaling the then-second-fastest mark in Ranji history.
Q3: When did Rajesh Borah score his record-breaking century, and why is it significant?
A: Rajesh Borah scored his 56-ball century in the 1987–88 season for Assam against Tripura. It was groundbreaking for its era, standing as the fastest for nearly three decades.