5 performances by Ranjitsinhji that will make every Indian Cricket fan proud

#4 Two first-class centuries in a day

Ranji with his famous Sussex companion C B Fry

In 1896, Ranji achieved an incredible distinction of scoring two first-class centuries in a day. This came while he was representing his county team Sussex against Yorkshire at Hove. Yorkshire batted on the first two days and scored 407 in their first innings.

In reply, Sussex was all-out for only 191 runs in their first innings. Ranji scored 100 and stitched an important 132 runs partnership with Billy Newham. Lord Hawke, Yorkshire captain, decided to impose the follow-on with a 216-run lead.

This time Sussex the openers fared better and Ranji walked out to bat at number three with the score at 61/1. Presenting ample account of his supple wrists and mesmerizing stroke play, Ranji added another century to his kitty with a masterful 125 not out, thus becoming the first (and so far only) batsman to score two first-class centuries in a single day. The effort also helped Sussex draw the match.