Hyderabad’s young opener Aman Rao delivered a performance for the ages on Tuesday, smashing a sensational double century against Bengal in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Playing only his third List A match, the 21-year-old produced a fearless and dominant innings that instantly placed him among India’s most exciting emerging batters.
Facing an experienced Bengal attack that included Indian pacers Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep, Aman showed no signs of nerves. Instead, he attacked from the outset and controlled the innings even as wickets fell at the other end.
Who is Aman Rao?
Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Aman Rao chose to pursue his cricketing ambitions in India. Despite being US-born, he has firmly committed to Indian domestic cricket and has quickly risen through the ranks in Hyderabad.
He made his senior debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where his aggressive batting style caught attention. Known for clean ball-striking, Aman has built a reputation as a dangerous white-ball batter.
THE SHOTS BY 21-YEAR-OLD AMAN RAO IN SMAT 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/LlJYgq3ovS
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 12, 2025
Hyderabad vs Bengal: How Aman Rao’s Double Century Unfolded
Opening the batting, Aman gave Hyderabad a solid platform with a 104-run opening stand alongside Rahul Singh Gahlaut. He then added 87 runs for the second wicket with Tilak Varma, keeping the scoreboard moving at a brisk pace.
The most memorable moment came at the very end of the innings. Aman entered the final over on 194, with one delivery left. With nothing to lose, he launched Akash Deep for a six, bringing up a remarkable 200 not out in dramatic fashion.
Hyderabad finished with a massive 352/5 in 50 overs, powered almost entirely by Aman’s brilliance.
Records Broken by Aman Rao’s Knock
Aman’s innings was not just visually stunning but statistically historic. His 200 not out off 154 balls included 12 fours and 13 sixes, showcasing both power and endurance.
This knock now stands as the highest individual score by a Hyderabad batter in List A cricket, underlining its importance in the state’s cricketing history. For a player still new to senior domestic cricket, the achievement signals a breakthrough.
Aman Rao’s Domestic Record and Playing Style
Before breaking into the senior team, Aman impressed in age-group cricket. In the Under-23 State Trophy, he scored 381 runs in six matches, including a century and three half-centuries, while maintaining a strike rate of over 100.
In T20 cricket, Aman boasts a strike rate above 160, highlighting his ability to dominate bowling attacks. One of his standout moments came when he smashed 24 runs off Shardul Thakur in an opening over, an innings that brought him into the national spotlight.
IPL 2026 Connection: Why Franchises Are Watching Aman Rao
Aman’s aggressive approach and consistency earned him recognition at the IPL 2026 auction, where Rajasthan Royals signed him for ₹30 lakh. His Vijay Hazare performance now strengthens his case as a future IPL regular.
Aman Rao’s double century is more than just a record, it is a statement of intent. At a time when Indian cricket is constantly searching for fearless top-order batters in white-ball formats, his innings sends a clear message to selectors and franchises alike.
If Aman builds on this momentum, his historic knock against Bengal could mark the beginning of a long and impactful career in Indian cricket.
