The Ranji Trophy has long been regarded as the crucible of Indian cricket, a battleground where talent is forged and stars of tomorrow are discovered. Over the decades, this prestigious domestic tournament has produced cricketing legends, career-defining knocks, and unforgettable moments of brilliance. Among these memorable feats, one of the most electrifying is the fastest century, a spectacle that combines skill, aggression, and fearlessness.
While the Ranji Trophy is known for its grinding nature, where patience and technique are often rewarded, there have been rare occasions when batters have turned the format on its head with whirlwind centuries. These knocks not only defied convention but also injected life into the longer format with their sheer audacity. Let’s dive into the Top 5 Fastest Centuries in Ranji Trophy History, where young guns and seasoned players alike showcased their extraordinary prowess.
5. Rajat Patidar – 100 in 68 Balls vs Haryana (2023-24)
Rounding off the list is Rajat Patidar, whose 68-ball ton against Haryana in Indore during the 2023-24 season was a masterclass in controlled aggression. A technically gifted batter with an impressive temperament, Patidar picked his moments with surgical precision. He punished loose deliveries and never let the bowlers settle.
After his IPL heroics for RCB and a few consistent outings for India A, this innings added another feather to his cap. His innings was crucial in setting up a mammoth total for Madhya Pradesh and further cemented his position as one of the most reliable top-order batters in domestic cricket.
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 name familiar to modern-day fans, but in the mid-90s, his fearless innings for Tamil Nadu against Goa at Madras was a sight to behold. Reaching his century in just 60 balls, Paul dismantled the opposition with calculated aggression, showcasing his ability to dominate from the get-go.
Playing on a surface that offered some movement early on, Paul counterattacked in style. His knock played a pivotal role in Tamil Nadu’s commanding position in the match and became a reference point for attacking middle-order batters in the domestic circuit.
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 record that stood the test of time, Riyan Parag announced his resurgence with a 56-ball century against Chhattisgarh in the 2023-24 season. Known for his aggressive intent and T20 flair, Parag brought the same fire to the red-ball arena, scoring at a strike rate that kept fielders chasing shadows and bowlers scrambling for answers.
What stood out was Parag’s maturity, his ability to choose the right moments to attack, and his understanding of field placements. Already known for his IPL exploits with Rajasthan Royals, this knock served as a reminder of his long-format capabilities and his hunger to break into the national setup.
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 dawned, Rajesh Borah lit up the 1987-88 Ranji Trophy with a blistering century off just 56 balls for Assam against Tripura in Guwahati. His innings, a masterclass in clean hitting and timing, was unprecedented for its time. At a time when scoring rates in first-class cricket were far more conservative, Borah’s audacity with the bat broke the mould.
Though not a household name nationally, Borah’s record stood unchallenged for nearly three decades. His innings inspired a generation of cricketers in the Northeast and is still celebrated in Assam cricketing circles as one of the finest individual performances in their domestic history.
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 blistering 48-ball century is etched in Ranji folklore as the fastest ever in the tournament’s rich history. Just 19 years old at the time, Pant displayed a fearless, swashbuckling brand of cricket against Jharkhand in Thumba during the 2016-17 season. Coming in at a critical juncture, Pant unleashed a flurry of boundaries and sixes that left the opposition stunned and spectators breathless.
What made this century even more special was the balance Pant maintained between aggression and precision. With audacious lofted drives, daring pulls, and improvisation, Pant set the tone for a new generation of attacking wicket-keeper batters in India. This innings not only highlighted his natural talent but also gave a glimpse of the future star who would later shine on international stages.
Rishabh Pant – Fastest Century Stats
| Balls | Team | Opposition | Venue | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | Delhi | Jharkhand | Thumba | 2016–17 |
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