Swastik Samal’s Masterpiece Overshadowed in Saurashtra’s Chase Masterclass
On a dramatic day of domestic cricket, Swastik Samal played the innings of a lifetime—but it wasn’t enough. His Swastik Samal double ton, a blistering 212 off 169 balls, matched Sanju Samson’s Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) record for the highest individual score and should have been the match-winning performance. Instead, it became a footnote in one of the tournament’s most gripping contests .
On December 24, 2025, Odisha posted a commanding 345/6 against Saurashtra after a rocky start, thanks largely to Samal’s heroics and a 261-run stand with Biplab Samantray. But in a stunning turn of events, Saurashtra chased down the target with five wickets in hand—proving that in modern List A cricket, no total is truly safe .
Table of Contents
- Swastik Samal Double Ton Equals a Legend
- The Rescue Mission: Odisha’s Recovery from 59/3
- Saurashtra’s Chase: A Blueprint for Modern Batting
- Where Does Samal’s Innings Stand in VHT History?
- Tactical Takeaways and Fantasy Implications
- Conclusion: A Record in Vain—Lessons from Ahmedabad
- Sources
Swastik Samal Double Ton Equals a Legend
Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 212 for Kerala in the 2019–20 Vijay Hazare Trophy was long considered untouchable—a benchmark of audacious strokeplay against top-tier domestic bowling. Five years later, 21-year-old Swastik Samal from Odisha has matched it stroke for stroke .
His innings featured 21 boundaries and 8 sixes, combining classical drives with calculated big-hitting—a balance rarely seen in such high-stakes chases. By reaching 212, Samal became only the ninth batter in VHT history to score a double century, joining an elite list that includes Samson, Shreyas Iyer, and Ruturaj Gaikwad .
The Rescue Mission: Odisha’s Recovery from 59/3
Odisha’s innings looked headed for disaster early. At 59/3, their top order had crumbled under disciplined Saurashtra seamers. But what followed was a clinic in partnership building.
- Swastik Samal took control with authority, rotating strike intelligently before unleashing boundaries at will.
- Biplab Samantray provided the perfect counterbalance, scoring a composed 73 off 89 balls to anchor the innings.
- Their 261-run fourth-wicket partnership is now one of the highest in Odisha’s VHT history and turned a modest total into a daunting 345/6 .
That total would have been enough to win 9 out of 10 domestic games. But Saurashtra wasn’t playing by the script.
Saurashtra’s Chase: A Blueprint for Modern Batting
Chasing 346 in 50 overs demands more than just aggression—it requires structure, depth, and composure. Saurashtra delivered all three.
Openers laid a solid foundation, but it was Sammar Gajjar’s century that shifted momentum. His knock—measured yet fearless—kept the scoreboard ticking under pressure. He was ably supported by Vishvaraj Jadeja (61 off 52) and Chirag Jani (58* off 47), who ensured no collapse occurred in the middle or death overs .
What stood out was Saurashtra’s run-rate management: they never panicked, never over-attacked, and maintained a near-perfect equilibrium between risk and reward. Their chase of 346/5 wasn’t just a win; it was a masterclass in modern List A batting .
Where Does Samal’s Innings Stand in VHT History?
With his 212, Swastik Samal has entered rarefied air. Consider this:
- Only 9 players have scored a double century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy’s 23-year history.
- Samal’s score is tied for the highest ever, matching Samson’s 212*.
- He is the first Odisha batter to achieve this milestone, putting his state on the national cricketing map .
Yet, his name joins an unfortunate list of batters whose double tons came in losing causes—a reminder that individual brilliance, however historic, must be backed by team performance to secure victory.
Tactical Takeaways and Fantasy Implications
For fans and fantasy managers, this match offers critical insights:
- Swastik Samal is now a red-hot pick for future VHT rounds—his form is undeniable.
- Saurashtra’s middle order (Jadeja, Jani, Gajjar) has proven it can chase big totals under pressure—prime fantasy assets.
- Odisha’s bowling attack needs urgent review; conceding 346 after posting it is a major red flag.
Keep an eye on our Vijay Hazare Trophy fantasy picks for updated player rankings based on this performance.
From a strategic standpoint, Saurashtra’s approach—building partnerships, avoiding reckless shots, and rotating strike—offers a template for chasing 300+ totals in domestic cricket. Meanwhile, Odisha must learn that setting big scores is only half the battle.
Conclusion: A Record in Vain—Lessons from Ahmedabad
Swastik Samal’s double ton was historic, poetic, and technically sublime. It deserved to be celebrated with a win. But cricket, in its infinite complexity, chose a different narrative.
This match underscores a hard truth: in today’s game, batting depth and chase execution trump individual milestones. Samal’s 212 may live in record books, but Saurashtra’s collective 346/5 will live in trophy cabinets.
For Odisha, it’s a moment of pride and pain. For Saurashtra, it’s a statement of intent. And for fans of domestic cricket? It’s a reminder that the Vijay Hazare Trophy continues to produce drama, records, and unforgettable stories.