Twitter reactions: Rajat Patidar makes history with his explosive 68-ball hundred for Madhya Pradesh in Ranji Trophy 2024-25

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In a remarkable display of skill and power-hitting, Madhya Pradesh batter Rajat Patidar struck a stunning century off just 68 balls on Day 4 of his team’s Ranji Trophy clash against Haryana at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Wednesday (October 27). Walking in at number three, Patidar’s counterattacking approach helped the two-time Ranji Trophy champions erase the 132-run deficit they conceded in the first innings, propelling his team to a competitive position in the final session of the game. This century marked Patidar’s 13th in First-Class cricket and was his first hundred of the season – a crucial one that revived his form and placed him in the record books.

Rewriting Madhya Pradesh’s record books : Ranji Trophy 2024-25

Patidar’s 68-ball ton shattered the previous fastest century record for Madhya Pradesh, held by Naman Ojha, who scored a 69-ball hundred against Karnataka in 2015. Patidar’s innings comprised 13 fours and seven sixes, allowing him to dominate the Haryana bowling attack and propel Madhya Pradesh’s scoring rate. His knock was especially notable as it pushed him up to fifth place on the all-time list of the fastest centuries in Ranji Trophy history. While Rishabh Pant holds the record for the fastest Ranji century, scoring it off just 48 balls, Patidar’s innings stood as a memorable feat, given his recent struggles with form.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

A crucial return to form

Patidar’s performance in the Ranji Trophy came as a much-needed resurgence. He had a slow start to the domestic season, managing only 146 runs across six innings in the Duleep Trophy and struggling in the early rounds of the Ranji season. However, he began showing signs of recovery with a composed 90 against Punjab in the previous round. This latest century reestablished his reputation as one of Madhya Pradesh’s most dependable batters. Having been instrumental in Madhya Pradesh’s title-winning campaign in the 2021-22 season, where he scored 658 runs with two centuries and five half-centuries, Patidar continues to demonstrate his value to the team as a middle-order stalwart.

Rajat Patidar’s blistering ton puts Madhya Pradesh in command against Haryana

In the ongoing Ranji Trophy Group C match in Indore, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana are locked in a competitive contest. Batting first, Madhya Pradesh posted 308 runs, with Himanshu Mantri anchoring the innings with a patient 97. Haryana responded strongly with 440, thanks to solid contributions from Lakshay Dalal (105) and Dheeru Singh (94), along with a resilient 81 from Harshal Patel. Madhya Pradesh’s Kumar Kartikeya was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 5 wickets for 118 runs.

In the second innings, Madhya Pradesh fought back aggressively, with Patidar smashing a rapid 159 off 102 balls, setting a blistering pace. They reached 308/4 at tea on Day 4, extending their lead to 176 runs. With limited overs left, Madhya Pradesh will look to set a defendable target in the final session, aiming to challenge Haryana in the closing stages.

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