Goa’s Kashyap Bakle and Snehal Kauthankar etched their names in Ranji Trophy history with an extraordinary unbeaten 606-run partnership for the third wicket against Arunachal Pradesh in Porvorim. This record-breaking stand not only shattered the previous Ranji Trophy record but also became the second-highest partnership in the history of first-class cricket, a feat showcasing both skill and endurance.
The duo’s monumental partnership eclipsed the previous Ranji Trophy record of 594 runs, which was set by Maharashtra's Swapnil Gugale and Ankit Bawne against Delhi in the 2016-17 season. Bakle, who remained not out at 300, and Kauthankar, unbeaten on 314, displayed relentless focus and teamwork, driving Goa to a colossal first-innings declaration of 727 for 2.
Their batting heroics put immense pressure on Arunachal Pradesh, who struggled in their reply, managing only 84 and 92 runs in their two innings. Goa’s dominant performance resulted in a massive victory by an innings and 551 runs, highlighting not only the brilliance of Bakle and Kauthankar but also Goa’s all-around strength in the match.
This partnership places the Goa duo just behind the legendary 624-run stand achieved by Sri Lankan greats Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene against South Africa in 2006, the highest-ever partnership in first-class cricket.
Moreover, this achievement marks only the second instance in Ranji Trophy history where two batters from the same team have scored triple centuries in a single innings. The first such instance dates back to the 1989-90 season, when Tamil Nadu’s WV Raman and AG Kripal Singh both scored triple hundreds in an innings against Goa.
With this historic achievement, Bakle and Kauthankar have not only set a new benchmark in the Ranji Trophy but also added their names to an elite list of cricketing records, inspiring future generations of cricketers and leaving an indelible mark on the tournament’s storied legacy.
