Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025: Aman Rao Hits Stunning Double Century for Hyderabad
Aman Rao starred in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025, hitting a stunning double century for Hyderabad. The 21-year-old opener showcased exceptional power, patience, and skill, leading Hyderabad to a massive total against Bengal. Rao’s extraordinary innings, featuring 12 fours and 13 sixes, has made him one of India’s most exciting young batters and caught the attention of IPL franchises ahead of the 2026 season. This match-defining performance solidifies Aman Rao’s growing reputation in Indian domestic cricket.
A Knock of Power, Patience, and Purpose
What made Aman Rao’s double hundred truly remarkable was not just the volume of runs, but the quality of opposition he faced. Bengal fielded a formidable bowling attack featuring seasoned international campaigners such as Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, and Mukesh Kumar—an attack known for discipline, pace, and relentless pressure in domestic cricket.
Rao not only survived but dominated.
He struck 12 fours and 13 sixes, finishing at a strike rate of 129.87, an exceptional number for a batter who occupied the crease for most of a 50-over innings. He reached his fifty in 65 balls, his century in 108 deliveries, and then seamlessly shifted gears to convert his maiden List-A hundred into a historic double century.
A Record That Rewrites Hyderabad’s History
Rao’s knock was not just a personal milestone—it rewrote Hyderabad’s record books. His double hundred is now the highest individual List-A score by a Hyderabad batter, surpassing all previous benchmarks in the format.
The significance of this achievement is amplified by the fact that it was Rao’s first List-A century, making the leap straight from a maiden hundred to a double century—a rare feat even in domestic cricket.
IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals Bet on Potential
The timing of Rao’s breakthrough could not be more perfect. Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Rajasthan Royals secured his services for ₹30 lakh at the auction, viewing him as a long-term top-order investment.
Who Is Aman Rao?
Aman Rao’s journey is as intriguing as his batting.
Born: Wisconsin, United States
Raised: Hyderabad, India
Batting Style: Right-hand opening batter
Despite being born in the US, Rao’s cricketing education has been rooted entirely in India’s domestic system. He is widely regarded as a naturally aggressive opener, especially in the shorter formats, but his Vijay Hazare innings highlighted a maturity that goes beyond raw power.
A Proven T20 Match-Winner
Rao’s reputation as a white-ball batter was already growing before his double century.
T20 strike rate: Above 160
U23 State Trophy:
381 runs in 6 matches, marking him as one of the standout performers
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy:
234 runs in 10 innings
Average: 26
While the Syed Mushtaq Ali numbers may not scream dominance, selectors and scouts have been impressed by Rao’s intent, clean striking, and ability to take on quality bowling attacks—traits that ultimately earned him his IPL contract.
Batting Style: More Than Just Power
What sets Aman Rao apart from many young hitters is his ability to pace an innings.
Rather than relying solely on brute force, Rao builds his innings patiently, targets specific bowlers, and accelerates once he is set. His strong base, clean bat swing, and comfort against both pace and spin allow him to clear boundaries without losing shape.
What Lies Ahead
After such a landmark performance, expectations around Aman Rao have risen sharply. Hyderabad will look to him as a long-term top-order pillar, while Rajasthan Royals are likely to groom him carefully for future IPL opportunities.
Conclusion
Aman Rao’s stunning double century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is not just an innings—it is an announcement. Against elite domestic bowling, under pressure, and in a marquee tournament, the young Hyderabad opener showcased power, patience, and rare maturity.
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