Who is Danish Malewar? Young Talent Stuns with Double Ton in Duleep Trophy Debut

The 2025-26 domestic cricket season kicked off with the Duleep Trophy, and young Vidarbha batter Danish Malewar immediately made a strong impression. The 21-year-old scored a brilliant 203 runs for Central Zone against North East Zone before retiring, showcasing not only his talent but also his maturity and stamina in red-ball cricket at such a young age. His performance grabbed attention nationwide and established him as one of India’s most promising batting prospects.

Malewar’s rise in domestic cricket has been remarkably swift. He made his first-class debut in late 2024 and quickly made a mark with consistent performances. In his debut Ranji Trophy season, he accumulated 783 runs, including a match-winning 153 in the final against Kerala, which helped Vidarbha secure their third Ranji Trophy title. By the end of the season, he was the team’s third-highest run-scorer, behind Yash Rathod and experienced campaigner Karun Nair. His recent double century in the Duleep Trophy also made him the first batter from Vidarbha to score a century in the tournament’s history, cementing his place in the team’s record books.

Danish Malewar had first caught attention during the 2024 Ranji Trophy knockouts. He played a fighting 79 in the semifinal against Mumbai and then contributed significantly in the final against Kerala. Over the season, he maintained a strong average of 52.20, finishing as the fifth-highest run-getter in the tournament. His performances showed that he could handle pressure situations and play crucial innings for his team, even against experienced opponents.

Typically batting at No. 3, the Nagpur-born cricketer has drawn comparisons to legends like Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara because of his calm demeanor, patience, and ability to anchor innings. In just 10 first-class matches, he already has five scores above fifty, several of which he has converted into centuries, giving him an impressive batting average of 65.40. Despite his rapid rise, Malewar’s journey hasn’t been easy. Coming from a humble, lower-middle-class family, he relied on hard work, determination, and the support of his father, who recognized his talent at a young age.

“My father always dreamed of seeing me become a cricketer, so he put me in an academy when I was just seven. He went through many struggles but never let my cricket needs go unmet. During my junior days, whenever I scored runs, some people would gift me bats, pads, or gloves. I only started earning money from cricket after playing at the under-19 level,” Malewar told the Indian Express. His story reflects not just talent but also perseverance and the sacrifices made by his family to support his cricketing dreams.

In his recent Duleep Trophy innings, Malewar came in early and showed remarkable composure while building the innings. He first added 144 runs with Aryan Juyal before Juyal retired hurt on 60. Later, he forged a massive 199-run partnership with captain Rajat Patidar, who scored a rapid 125 off just 96 balls. Malewar’s double century highlighted his ability to play long innings and demonstrated his technical skill, patience, and temperament.

This outstanding performance also underscored his growing importance in India’s domestic cricket scene. With experienced players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli having retired from Test cricket, the BCCI selectors are likely keeping a close eye on Malewar for the crucial No. 3 batting spot in red-ball internationals. If he continues his form and consistency through the 2025-26 season, a call-up to the Indian Test team could be well within reach. Danish Malewar’s journey from a talented youngster in Nagpur to a potential future star of Indian cricket is only just beginning, and his performances suggest that he has the skill, temperament, and determination to succeed at the highest level.