Riyan Parag Hits Second Fastest Hundred In Ranji Trophy History, Rajasthan Royals Star Smashes 56-Ball Century

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Riyan Parag continues to shine as the Rajasthan Royals all-rounder smashed the second fastest hundred in Ranji Trophy history representing Assam against Chhattisgarh at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.

The 22-year-old scored a 56-ball century on the ultimate day of Assam's first outing in the 2024 Ranji Trophy season, saving the team from an innings defeat, but his onslaught of 155 from 87 balls could not save his side from loss to Chhattisgarh on Monday (January 8).

Parag's knock included 11 fours and 12 sixes. He reached his hundred in 56 balls, but could not break the record for the fastest century in Ranji Trophy. That record still belongs to wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who smashed a 48-ball century for Delhi vs Jharkhand in 2016/17 season.

Apart from Pant and Parag, none of the other top five fastest centuries in Ranji Trophy history came in under 60 balls. Pant features twice on the list. Here is a look at the top 5 fastest hundreds in the Indian domestic tournament:

Fastest Century in Ranji Trophy History

1. 48 balls Hundred - Rishabh Pant (Delhi) vs Jharkhand in 2016/17
2. 56 balls Hundred - Riyan Parag (Assam) vs Chhattisgarh in 2024
3. 69 balls Hundred - Naman Ojha (Madhya Pradesh) vs Karnataka in 2014/15
4. 72 balls Hundred - Eklavya Dwivedi (Uttar Pradesh) vs Railways in 2014-15
5. 82 balls Hundred - Rishabh Pant (Delhi) vs Jharkhand in 2016/17

Parag, who has often been criticized for his performances in IPL with Rajasthan Royals, has played some crucial innings for Assam on the domestic circuit in the last two seasons. His performance also earned him a call up to the India A squad for the ACC Emerging Asia Cup last year.

Rajasthan Royals and their fans will hope Parag carries this form into IPL 2024, which is just over two months away, while Assam will also hope their captain continues his run-scoring form for the remainder of the Ranji Trophy season.

Coming back to the Elite B group match, Chhattisgarh scored 327 in the first innings before they bowled out Assam for 159 and forced the follow on. That is when Parag rescured his side from embarassment.

Walking in at number four, Parag shared small stands with rest of the batting line up to take Assam to 254, setting a target of 87 to win from Chhattisgarh, who chased down the score with 10 wickets in hand.