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Hyderabad batter Aman Rao made headlines with a breathtaking double century against Bengal in a Group B match of the sixth round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Khandheri, Rajkot.
Rao, who was bought by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 30 lakh at the Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction in December, pulverised the star-studded Bengal bowling line-up, featuring the likes of Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar, to smash the highest List-A score for Hyderabad and the ninth double ton in Vijaya Hazare history.
Rao's majestic knock will help boost his stocks ahead of the IPL 2026, which starts in March. Rao completed his double ton in style, hitting a maximum off the bowling of Akash Deep.
His unbeaten 200 off 154 balls (4sx12, 6sx13) powered Hyderabad to a massive total of 352 for 5. Aman's knock was all about volume, control, intent, and composure against international-standard bowlers.
Aman treated India's trio of Shami, Akash Deep and Mukesh with disdain. He scored 33 runs (21 balls, 3 sixes, 2 fours) off the bowling of Shami, 28 (44balls, 3 sixes, 3 fours) off Akash and 38 (21 balls, 3 sixes, 2 fours).
Shami and Akashdeep both conceded 70+ runs after Bengal chose to bowl first. Though Shami managed to pick up three wickets, Akash went wicketless.
In only his third List A match, Rao looked mature beyond his years. He took calculated risks and played with a measured approach against a proven and experienced bowling attack.
Rajasthan Royals' decision to buy Aman was based on their template of promoting and backing young, fearless batters. Just like Sanju Samson to Yashasvi Jaiswal, the franchise has yet again banked on the promise of a young batter who, with the magnificent knock against Bengal, has proved that he is one to watch out for in IPL 2026.
The US-born batter demonstrated that he is match-ready, with his expert skills and ability against quality pacers and spinners. His cool temperament under pressure is another trait that the Royals would benefit from in the years to come.
