Who is Danish Malewar? The 21-year-old Vidarbha star who scored a double-ton on Duleep Trophy debut

The Indian domestic season 2025-26 kickstarted with the Duleep Trophy 2025 tournament. When Central Zone took on North East Zone at BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground B, Bengaluru, Danish Malewar shone with the bat for the Central Zone team.

The 21-year-old Vidarbha batsman made his Duleep Trophy debut with a spectacular 203 retired out for Central Zone against North East Zone, igniting Bengaluru and establishing his dominance on one of India's top red-ball stages.

He played 222 balls and hit 36 fours and one six. He first stitched together a 144-run stand with Aryan Juyal before the wicketkeeper-batter was retired hurt on 60.

He then added 343 runs for the third wicket with Central Zone captain Rajat Patidar, who made 125 in 96 balls with 21 fours and three sixes. Yash Rathod hammered 87* with 11 fours and Central Zone declared their first innings at 532/4d.

Who is Danish Malewar?

Malewar's ascent has been swift but steady for someone who made his first-class debut in late 2024. He went from being a bright young player in Vidarbha's ranks to a name that is gradually moving up India's domestic cricket ladder in less than a year.

Malewar initially gained attention when he faced Mumbai in the 2024 Ranji Trophy semifinal. He helped Vidarbha win by 80 runs and go to the final by scoring a valiant 79 in the first innings and then 29 in the second. His true breakthrough came as a result of the summit clash.

He single-handedly swung the match in Vidarbha's favor and secured another Ranji Trophy victory for the team against Kerala by smashing 153 in the first innings and 73 in the second. Malewar had piled up 783 runs at an average of 52, finishing as Vidarbha’s third-highest scorer.

Malewar hails from Nagpur and is in the mould of Cheteshwar Pujara and Rahul Dravid, known for his calm temperament and ability to grind down bowlers. In just 10 first-class matches, he has already garnered fifty-plus scores five times and has three centuries, averaging 65.40.

“My father always wanted me to be a cricketer and I got into an academy when I was seven. He faced a lot of difficulties but ensured that my cricketing needs were taken care of. There were people who used to give me bats, pads, and gloves when I made runs during my junior days. Money only started coming in post my under-19 days,” Malewar had told Indian Express.

The BCCI selectors will be closely watching him for the vital No. 3 batting spot for Test cricket, as veterans like Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara have now retired from the format.

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