Ranji Trophy has been for a long time IndiaThe birthplace of cricket brilliance, where national stars demonstrate their tenacity in the long format. Yet every now and then a few rounds break the barriers of patience, introducing raw aggression into a format known for its rigor and restraint. Prominent examples include Prithvi Shaw‘ flamboyant double century during the 2025-2026 Ranji Trophy seasonwhich reignited attention to 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 leaving Mumbai has Maharashtrastrengthening his case for a return to the India Test. The speed, precision and timing of Shaw’s shot served as a reminder of his enormous potential for domination at the highest level. Shaw’s world-class innings placed him as the third fastest double century of all time in the history of the tournament.
Top 5 Fastest Double Centuries in Ranji Trophy
- Tanmay Agarwal – 119 balls against Arunachal Pradesh (2023-24)
Hyderabad opener Tanmay Agarwal redefined the explosiveness of first-class cricket with his monumental knock during the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 Plate group match against Arunachal Pradesh in Hyderabad.
In a record-breaking performance, Agarwal smashed a double century in just 119 balls – the fastest in Ranji history. His domination did not stop there; he followed it up by hitting a triple century in just 147 balls before finishing with an extraordinary 366 from 181 balls. With 34 fours and 26 sixes, Agarwal’s innings propelled Hyderabad to 615-4 declared in less than 60 overs. The strike rate and aggression were unprecedented, making the performance a modern-day Ranji classic and cementing Agarwal’s place in the record books as the most destructive first-class batter of his generation.
- Ravi Shastri – 123 balls against Baroda (1984-1985)
Long before the T20 era popularized the power hitter, then young all-rounder Ravi Shastri stunned spectators at Wankhede Stadium by scoring a double century off just 123 balls against Baroda. Representing Mumbai in the 1984-85 Ranji season, Shastri’s innings included 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 prized patience. Shastri’s all-round brilliance, which included five wickets in the two innings, could not force a result as the match ended in a draw. Yet this innings remains one of the most famous attacking performances in the Ranji Trophy, reflecting his ability to transform from a disciplined player to a true dominator of the match with the bat.
ALSO READ: Fans go gaga as Prithvi Shaw gives masterclass with double century for Maharashtra vs Chandigarh | Ranji Trophy 2025-26
- Prithvi Shaw – 141 balls against Chandigarh (2025-26)
Shaw’s knock in 2025-26 for Maharashtra against Chandigarh reaffirmed his class in domestic cricket. The right-hander, known for his aggressive hitting, reached his double century in just 141 balls, reminiscent of his debut in Mumbai where he had already scored 379 in an Under-19 match. Showcasing his natural talent, Shaw’s assault featured 29 boundaries and five sixes.
His tally of 222 runs from 156 balls not only propelled Maharashtra into a commanding position but also amplified talk of him reclaiming a place in the Indian Test team. The innings combined crisp hitting and calculated aggression, reflecting both maturity and intent – the exact qualities selectors look for in a modern Test opener.
- Rahul Singh – 143 balls against Nagaland (2023-24)
Another explosive shot came from Hyderabad’s left-handed number three, Rahul Singhduring the 2023-24 Ranji season against Nagaland in Sovima. Batting, he made 214 runs off 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 just 76.4 overs. Its 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 amplified the dominance Rahul brought with his fearless style, reinforcing how young batters are reshaping India’s red-ball scoring pace.
- Snehal Kauthankar – 146 balls against Arunachal Pradesh (2024-25)
In November 2024, GoaIt is Snehal Kauthankar lit up the Plate group stage of the Ranji Trophy with an unforgettable innings, cruising to a double century off just 146 balls against Arunachal Pradesh at the Goa Cricket Association Academy Ground.
The right-hander didn’t stop there: he turned his start into a colossal unbeaten 314 from 215 balls. Its 606* partnership works with Kashyap Bakhalewhich also reached a triple hundred, now stands as one of the most important partnerships in Ranji history. Kauthankar smashed 45 fours and four sixes, leading Goa to a mammoth 727-2 declared before an innings victory. His remarkable acceleration showed how domestic cricketers combine modern aggression with traditional first-class technique.
Also READ: Shortest match in Ranji Trophy history: Riyan Parag’s Assam suffers defeat against Services
