In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan announced his return to form with a sensational 33-ball century for Jharkhand against Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. The explosive innings, played on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, featured a staggering 14 sixes and propelled Jharkhand to a massive total of 412 for 9.
A Blazing Knock from a New Position
Promoted in the batting order for the 50-over format, Kishan walked to the crease at number six in the 38th over. With the innings needing late acceleration, the left-hander switched gears immediately. He treated the Karnataka bowlers with disdain, clearing the boundary with remarkable ease and frequency. His assault resulted in a century off just 33 deliveries, a knock that turned the game on its head and showcased his devastating potential in the middle order.
Record Books Rewritten on a Historic Day
Despite the ferocity of his innings, Kishan narrowly missed out on the record for the fastest List A century by an Indian. On the same day, in the Plate league, Bihar's cricketing prodigies rewrote history. Captain Sakibul Gani smashed a 32-ball hundred against Arunachal Pradesh, setting the new national record, while teammate Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored a 36-ball ton. Consequently, Kishan's 33-ball effort is now the second-quickest century by an Indian man in List A cricket, behind Gani and ahead of Punjab's Anmolpreet Singh, who scored a 35-ball century last season.
This innings caps off a remarkable few months for Kishan, who recently led Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 title, a performance that earned him a recall to the Indian national team. Observers have noted a more mature and versatile version of the batter this season, one who has adapted his game across formats.
The Bigger Picture: A Season of Transformation
Former India cricketer Robin Singh, who has coached Kishan at Mumbai Indians, recently highlighted the batter's evolved approach, particularly in red-ball cricket. Kishan has carried that refined form into the white-ball tournaments, demonstrating leadership and situational awareness. His Vijay Hazare Trophy blitzkrieg is a potent reminder of his match-winning abilities, solidifying his case for more consistent opportunities at the highest level.
Fastest List A centuries by Indians:
- 32 balls – Sakibul Gani (Bihar vs Arunachal Pradesh, 2025)
- 33 balls – Ishan Kishan (Jharkhand vs Karnataka, 2025)
- 35 balls – Anmolpreet Singh (Punjab vs Arunachal Pradesh, 2024)
- 36 balls – Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Bihar vs Arunachal Pradesh, 2025)
In another notable performance from the Vijay Hazare Trophy round, Odisha opener Swastik Samal announced himself with a magnificent double century against Saurashtra. The 25-year-old, playing only his 11th List A match, converted his maiden hundred into a 167-ball 212, becoming the 14th Indian man to score a List A double century.
