Madhya Pradesh skipper Rajat Patidar kept up his outstanding form in the red-ball arena, as he struck his first First-Class double century in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy clash against Punjab at the Emerald Heights International School Ground in Indore. Patidar’s previous highest FC score was 196.
At the close of third day’s play, Madhya Pradesh stood at 519/8 in 146 overs, with Patidar unbeaten on 205 off 332 balls, including 26 fours, 87 singles and seven doubles. Patidar scored pretty much all around the ground and against all the bowlers, but he took a special liking to leg-spinner Raghu Sharma. He came in to bat at 155/4 in the 51st over and personified patience and elegance in his impeccable knock.
The past few months have been nothing short of incredible for the dynamic batter. He led Madhya Pradesh to the final of the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and emerged as the second-highest run-getter in the tournament. Patidar then led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title.
His fine streak did not just stop there, as he his scores in the five innings of 2025 Duleep Trophy read 125, 66, 77, 101 and 13. Patidar led from the front as Central Zone clinched the title. Following that, although Rest of India did not win the 2025 Irani Cup against Vidarbha, Patidar was the top-scorer for RoI in their first innings in Nagpur.
With this knock against Punjab, Patidar continues to knock the door on the Indian selection committee. He was not a part of the squad for the recently-concluded two-match series against West Indies. Fine performances such as the one in the ongoing match could guarantee him a spot in the Test squad for when India host South Africa.
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