Rajat Patidar has set the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 stage on fire with a masterclass that reminded everyone why he is one of the most dependable batsmen in Indian domestic cricket. Leading Madhya Pradesh from the front, Rajat Patidar showed complete dominance and played an unforgettable innings against Punjab at the Emerald High School Ground, Indore.
Punjab After scoring only 232 runs in their first innings, Madhya Pradesh did not get the desired start in their Ranji Trophy 2025-56 encounter in Indore. Madhya Pradesh’s team came under pressure with the early dismissals of openers Harsh Gawli (8) and Yash Dubey (23), but Patidar’s calm presence changed the entire momentum.
Rajat Patidar leads the way with a brilliant double century in Indore
Wicketkeeper-batsman Himanshu Mantri (40) and Shubham Sharma (41) made some important contributions to take care of Madhya Pradesh’s innings, setting the stage for their captain Patidar to take control against the Punjab cricket team and he did it in style on his home ground.
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Patidar displayed the right mix of patience, accuracy and power to score a brilliant unbeaten double century of 205 runs off 332 balls. His innings included 26 fours, and those runs came at a steady strike rate of 61.75, indicating his maturity.
Rajat Patidar’s 205 runs helped Madhya Pradesh dominate Punjab in Ranji Trophy 2025-26
The Madhya Pradesh captain built important partnerships with Venkatesh Iyer (75), then added to the lead with Saransh Jain (30) and Sagar Solanki (26). By the end of the day, Patidar and Arshad Khan remained unbeaten on 205* and 60* respectively, helping Madhya Pradesh post a massive score of 519 for 8 at stumps on the third day and take a huge lead of 287 runs over Punjab.
However, on the fourth day, Madhya Pradesh captain Patidar declared his innings against Pakistan at an overnight score of 519/8. Well, Patidar’s stellar performance was not just about runs; This was a statement of intent. After consistent performances across all formats this season, his brilliant double century has sent a strong message to the Indian selectors and the BCCI.
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Rajat Patidar’s double century has brought him back in contention for India’s Test team.
Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar has sent a loud and clear message to the BCCI and the Indian chief selectors that he is ready to make a great comeback in the Indian Test team. After his brilliant double century in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26, the Madhya Pradesh captain has once again proved that he belongs on the big stage.
Patidar’s spectacular unbeaten double century in the Madhya Pradesh vs Punjab Ranji Trophy 2025-26 match has brought him back in the race for a recall to the Test team, reports Times of India. His performance was a reminder of his grit, class and ability to deliver when it mattered most.
Rajat Patidar is back
After his double century in Ranji Trophy, Patidar has made a strong case for his return to the Indian Test team. [Gaurav Gupta from TOI] pic.twitter.com/AV4zb3tND8
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 18 October 2025
Recently, Patidar has been in excellent form across all formats in domestic cricket, but his double century showed the composure and control required in longer format cricket, strongly staking his case for a comeback for India for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa at home.
The first Test will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata from November 14, while the second and last Test will be played at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati from November 22.
