Hyderabad vs Bengal, Group B Match, VHT 2025-26 (Source: X/BCCI)
In a delightful piece of news for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of IPL 2026, the young recruit Aman Rao smashed a swashbuckling double ton in VHT 2025-26. Notably, RR bought Aman Rao as an opening prospect for INR 30 Lakhs in the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
It was only the second double century in the ongoing edition of India’s premier domestic list-a tournament. Earlier in the tournament, Odisha batter Swastik Samal smashed 212 runs off just 169 balls, with 21 fours and eight sixes against Saurashtra. With this double ton, Aman Rao has made his case strong to get an IPL debut for RR as an opener.
Aman Rao as Potential replacement for Sanju Samson in Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 plans
Aman Rao started his domestic career for his home state team, Hyderabad, almost a year ago in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. He smashed 67 runs off just 42 balls in his debut T20 appearance against Mizoram in SMAT 2024. Since then, the 21-year-old has scored 301 runs in 11 T20s, with an average of 33.44 and a strike rate of 162.70, hitting two half-centuries.
Speaking of a three-match career, he has scored 252 runs in three innings, with an average of 126.00 and a strike rate of 126.63. It also includes his recently-smashed unbeaten double century against Bengal in the ongoing VHT 2025-26.
Rajasthan Royals set their sight on the youngster
On the back of his brilliant T20 performances in the domestic circuit, Aman earned a 30-lakh bid from Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2026 mini auction. He might be considered as a potential replacement for the former skipper Sanju Samson, who was traded to CSK for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
Aman could be a great fit to start the innings for RR in IPL 2026, alongside attacking southpaw Yashasi Jaiswal. Both the batters will play a crucial role in laying the strong foundation with an aggressive approach.
Aman’s double ton pushes Bengal to the back foot
In the group B match against Bengal, Aman, alongside Rahul Singh, came to open the innings for Hyderabad. The duo laid a strong foundation for their side, stitching an outstanding opening partnership of 104 runs in 16 overs before Rahul was dismissed after scoring 54-ball 65.
Furthermore, Aman Rao continued to smash the Bengal bowlers all over the ground, hitting 13 massive sixes, alongside 12 fours in his knock. He ended up going unbeaten, with 200 runs off just 154 balls, with a strike rate of 129.87. His double hundred helped Hyderabad post a big total of 352 runs for the loss of five wickets in the allotted 50 overs.
Speaking of Bengal’s bowling, the veteran pacer Mohammed Shami scalped three wickets in his expensive spell of ‘70 runs in 10 overs, including a maiden over. Apart from him, Shahbaz Ahmed and Rohit Kumar also claimed a wicket each for 57 and 61 runs in their respective 10-over quotas.
Returning to Aman Rao, he is currently the leading run-scorer for Hyderabad in VHT 2025-26, following M Abhirath Reddy’s 303 runs in six innings.
