Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fast bowler Kulwant Khejroliya has etched his name in the annals of Ranji Trophy history by becoming just the third bowler to achieve the remarkable feat of taking 4 wickets in 4 balls. Representing Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy 2024, Khejroliya’s extraordinary performance came during their match against Baroda.
In a stunning display of bowling prowess, Khejroliya dismissed Shashwat Rawat (bowled), Mahesh Pithiya (caught), Bhargav Bhatt (LBW), and Akash Singh (bowled) in the 95th over of Baroda’s second innings. This exceptional achievement makes him only the third bowler in the 90-year history of the Ranji Trophy to achieve such a feat and the third bowler from Madhya Pradesh to secure a hat-trick.
Prior to this historic moment, only 80 players, including Khejroliya, had taken a hat-trick in the premier first-class tournament. However, his performance marks just the second occasion in the red-ball event’s illustrious history that a bowler has claimed 4 wickets in 4 balls.
Khejroliya’s remarkable spell propelled Madhya Pradesh to victory, as they secured a commanding win by an innings and 52 runs over Baroda. In the first innings, Khejroliya had also played a crucial role by scalping two wickets, helping his team restrict Baroda to a mere 132 runs.
With this triumph, Madhya Pradesh has clinched the top spot in Elite Group D, virtually guaranteeing their place in the quarterfinals of the Ranji Trophy. Khejroliya’s exceptional performance has undoubtedly left an indelible mark in the history of Indian domestic cricket.
