INDORE: In a sensational display of batting prowess, Madhya Pradesh captain Rajat Patidar, a key player for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), crafted his maiden first-class double hundred against Punjab in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 match at the Emerald Heights International School Ground on Friday. This monumental innings has significantly strengthened his case for a national recall, potentially earning him a spot in the middle order for India’s upcoming two-Test home series against South Africa.
Patidar’s epic knock of 200, scored off 328 balls and adorned with 26 boundaries, propelled Punjab to an impressive 519 for eight before rain halted play. Notably, the innings unfolded under the watchful eyes of newly-appointed national selector RP Singh, the former India left-arm pacer. Following this stellar performance, Patidar is widely expected to be named in the squad for the two-Test series against South Africa A, scheduled to commence at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from October 30.
This achievement sees Patidar surpass his previous first-class best of 196, which he recorded against Tamil Nadu during the 2018 Ranji season. The 32-year-old batter stepped onto the crease when his side was in a precarious position at 155 for four, responding to Punjab’s first-innings total of 232.
Forming a crucial partnership with Venkatesh Iyer (who contributed 73 runs), Patidar stabilized the innings, with the duo adding 147 runs to not only steady the ship but also secure a vital first-innings lead for Madhya Pradesh.
The double century is a testament to Patidar’s exceptional form throughout 2025. This season, the MP batter has been on a blazing run, accumulating three centuries and three half-centuries in his last eight innings, tallying an impressive 663 runs in this purple patch.
Earlier in the year, Patidar showcased his leadership and batting skills by guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their inaugural IPL title. He then captained Central Zone to their first Duleep Trophy victory in a decade, where he delivered four consecutive scores of 50-plus, including two centuries in the quarter-final and final against South Zone.
After a challenging debut Test series against England in February 2024, where he managed just 63 runs across three Tests at an average of 10.50, Patidar has made a remarkable comeback. In the previous Ranji Trophy season, he was Madhya Pradesh’s leading run-scorer with 529 runs at an average of 48.09, featuring one century and two fifties. He also led MP to the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, consistently performing with the bat.
In his first-class career, Patidar has amassed 5,196 runs from 73 matches at an impressive average of 44.41, including 16 centuries. Despite missing out on India’s tour of England this past summer due to injury, his current form makes him an undeniable contender for higher honors.