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Ranji Trophy has long been India’s cradle of cricketing brilliance, where domestic stars showcase their long-format tenacity. Yet, every now and then, a few innings break the barriers of patience, introducing raw aggression into a format known for grind and restraint. Among the standout examples is Prithvi Shaw’s blazing double century during the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, which reignited attention on power-hitting in red-ball cricket.
At the Sector 16 Stadium in Chandigarh, Shaw dismantled the bowling attack of Chandigarh to hammer a spectacular 222 runs off 156 deliveries. The Maharashtra opener reached his double ton in just 141 balls, registering one of the fastest double centuries in Ranji Trophy history. The innings marked his first century since moving from Mumbai to Maharashtra, strengthening his case for an India Test comeback. The swiftness, precision, and timing of Shaw’s knock served as a reminder of his enormous potential to dominate at the highest level. Shaw’s world-class innings placed him third among the all-time fastest double centuries in the tournament’s storied history.
Top 5 fastest Ranji Trophy double centuries
- Tanmay Agarwal – 119 Balls vs Arunachal Pradesh (2023–24)
Hyderabad opener Tanmay Agarwal redefined explosiveness in first-class cricket with his monumental knock during the 2023–24 Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh in Hyderabad.
In a record-breaking display, Agarwal smashed a double century in just 119 balls — the fastest in Ranji history. His dominance did not stop there; he followed it up by reaching a triple century in just 147 balls before concluding with an extraordinary 366 off 181 balls. Featuring 34 fours and 26 sixes, Agarwal’s innings powered Hyderabad to 615-4 declared in under 60 overs. The strike rate and aggression were unparalleled, making the performance a modern-day Ranji classic and cementing Agarwal’s place in record books as the most destructive first-class batter of his generation.
- Ravi Shastri – 123 Balls vs Baroda (1984–85)
Long before the T20 era popularized power-hitting, then-young all-rounder Ravi Shastri stunned spectators at the Wankhede Stadium by blasting a double century from just 123 balls against Baroda. Representing Mumbai in the 1984–85 Ranji season, Shastri’s innings comprised 13 sixes and 13 fours — a staggering 130 of his 200 runs came from boundaries.
It was a rare display of calculated ferocity in an era that prioritized patience. Shastri’s all-round brilliance, which included five wickets across both innings, could not force a result as the match ended in a draw. Yet, this innings remains one of the Ranji Trophy’s most celebrated attacking performances, reflecting his ability to switch from a disciplined spinner to an outright match dominator with the bat.
- Prithvi Shaw – 141 Balls vs Chandigarh (2025–26)
Shaw’s 2025–26 knock for Maharashtra against Chandigarh reasserted his class in domestic cricket. The right-hander, known for his aggressive stroke-making, raced to his double century in just 141 balls, reminiscent of his early days with Mumbai where he once scored 379 in an Under-19 game. Bringing his natural flair to the fore, Shaw’s assault featured 29 boundaries and five sixes.
His total of 222 runs off 156 balls not only powered Maharashtra into a commanding position but also amplified discussions about his readiness to reclaim a spot in India’s Test squad. The innings combined clean hitting with calculated aggression, reflecting both maturity and intent — the exact qualities selectors seek in a modern Test opener.
- Rahul Singh – 143 Balls vs Nagaland (2023–24)
Another explosive knock came from Hyderabad’s left-handed number three, Rahul Singh, during the 2023–24 Ranji season against Nagaland at Sovima. Batting first, he fired 214 runs from 157 balls, completing his double ton in just 143 deliveries.
The innings was loaded with 23 boundaries and nine sixes, propelling Hyderabad to 474-5 declared in merely 76.4 overs. His partnerships with Agarwal and Tilak Varma demonstrated Hyderabad’s emerging aggressive approach in first-class cricket. The team’s victory by an innings and 194 runs magnified the dominance Rahul brought with his fearless style, reinforcing how younger batters are reshaping India’s red-ball scoring tempos.
- Snehal Kauthankar – 146 Balls vs Arunachal Pradesh (2024–25)
In November 2024, Goa’s Snehal Kauthankar lit up the Plate Group stage of the Ranji Trophy with an unforgettable innings, storming to a double century from just 146 balls against Arunachal Pradesh at the Goa Cricket Association Academy Ground.
The right-hander didn’t stop there — he transformed his start into a colossal unbeaten 314 from 215 balls. His partnership of 606* runs with Kashyap Bakhale, who also hit a triple hundred, is now one of the largest partnerships in Ranji history. Kauthankar smashed 45 fours and four sixes, leading Goa to a mammoth 727-2 declared before an innings win. His remarkable acceleration showcased how domestic cricketers are blending modern-day aggression with traditional first-class technique.
Also READ: Shortest match in Ranji Trophy history: Riyan Parag’s Assam suffer defeat against Services
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
