Paras Dogra Creates History at 40 – Smashes His 32nd Ranji Trophy Century, Becomes Second Only to Wasim Jaffer

Table of Contents

Introduction – Experience Meets Determination

If there’s one name that defines consistency, passion, and longevity in Indian domestic cricket, it’s Paras Dogra. At 40 years of age, this veteran cricketer is still making headlines with his bat.
In the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season opener, playing for Jammu and Kashmir, Dogra struck a brilliant unbeaten century against Mumbai at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar.
This was his 32nd Ranji Trophy century, placing him second on the all-time list — right behind the legendary Wasim Jaffer.

A Spectacular Start to the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy Season

Jammu & Kashmir’s innings had a shaky start against Mumbai’s strong bowling lineup. The early wickets created pressure, but Paras Dogra, with his calm temperament and vast experience, stood tall.
He weathered the storm early on, assessed the pitch conditions, and then gradually accelerated.
With his elegant cover drives, straight drives, and flicks, Dogra dominated the bowlers and stitched crucial partnerships to steady the innings.

Dogra’s unbeaten 112-run knock not only rescued J&K from a collapse but also reminded everyone that age is just a number.

Top Century Makers in Ranji Trophy History

Scoring centuries in the Ranji Trophy — India’s toughest first-class competition — demands both skill and temperament.
Wasim Jaffer has long held the record for the most hundreds, but Paras Dogra is now hot on his heels.

Most Centuries in Ranji Trophy History:

Wasim Jaffer – 41 centuries
Paras Dogra – 32 centuries
Ajay Sharma – 31 centuries
Amol Muzumdar – 28 centuries
Rishikesh Kanitkar – 28 centuries

Dogra’s position in this elite list is a testament to his class, consistency, and determination over two decades of domestic cricket.

From Himachal Pradesh to Puducherry – The Journey of Perseverance

Born on November 19, 1984, in Himachal Pradesh, Paras Dogra began his career representing his home state in domestic cricket.
Over the years, he moved to Puducherry, where he continued to pile up runs and mentor young players.
Currently, he represents Jammu and Kashmir, and his vast experience has become a guiding light for emerging cricketers in the squad.

Dogra’s ability to adapt to different teams and conditions shows his versatility and deep love for the game.

Fitness and Dedication at 40

While many players hang up their boots by 35, Paras Dogra continues to defy age with his supreme fitness and hunger for runs.
He once said, “Cricket is not just a sport for me — it’s my meditation.”
Dogra trains rigorously, focuses on his fitness, and spends long hours in the nets.
His unwavering dedication has kept him among the top-performing players in Indian domestic cricket even after two decades.

A Memorable Knock Against Mumbai

Facing Mumbai — the most successful team in Ranji Trophy history — is never easy. Yet, Dogra made it look effortless.
Mumbai’s bowlers tried every trick in the book to unsettle him, but his solid technique and concentration ensured he stayed unbeaten.
His innings was filled with classic cricketing shots, reflecting both patience and power.

That century not only boosted Jammu and Kashmir’s total but also reaffirmed Dogra’s place as one of domestic cricket’s most dependable batsmen.

Paras Dogra’s Career Stats (as of 2025)

First-Class Matches: 140+
Runs: Over 10,000
Batting Average: Around 50
Centuries: 32
Half-Centuries: 45+
Highest Score: 253

These numbers underline his consistency and show why he is considered one of the finest players never to have donned the Indian national jersey.

A Pillar of Consistency in Ranji Cricket

For years, Paras Dogra has been the backbone of whichever team he’s represented.
Despite his stellar domestic record, he never got a call-up to the Indian team — something that speaks volumes about the competition in Indian cricket.
Yet, Dogra never lost focus. He continued performing year after year, turning obstacles into motivation.

His ability to play long innings, anchor partnerships, and handle pressure makes him a complete first-class batsman.

India’s “Mr. Consistent” of Domestic Cricket

If Wasim Jaffer is called “Mr. Consistent,” then Paras Dogra deserves the same recognition.
He has guided his teams through tough phases and has often been the difference between defeat and victory.
Dogra’s temperament, coupled with his disciplined approach, has earned him immense respect in the cricketing fraternity.

A Role Model for Young Cricketers

At a time when many young cricketers are more attracted to the glamour of T20 cricket, Paras Dogra stands as a reminder that real cricketing greatness lies in the longer format.
His patience, discipline, and humility make him a role model for aspiring players.
Dogra’s journey is a lesson that success in cricket is not about shortcuts but about perseverance and passion.

Chasing Wasim Jaffer’s Record

With Wasim Jaffer’s record of 41 Ranji centuries, Dogra is now just nine hundreds away.
Given his current form and fitness, it wouldn’t be surprising if he surpasses that milestone within the next two seasons.
Should he achieve that, Paras Dogra will etch his name among the greatest ever in Indian domestic cricket.

Conclusion – A Story of Passion and Persistence

Paras Dogra’s journey is not merely a sports story; it’s a story of willpower, dedication, and the never-give-up attitude.
At 40, he continues to inspire both teammates and fans with his performance and passion for the game.
His 32nd Ranji Trophy century is proof that dreams have no expiry date and that true champions never stop pushing boundaries.

As the 2025–26 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Paras Dogra — the man who’s rewriting domestic cricket history, one century at a time.