Odisha opener Swastik Samal produced a sensational knock in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025, smashing a brilliant double century against Saurashtra to script history.
Samal became the first batter from Odisha to score a double hundred in the tournament and registered the joint fourth-highest individual score in Vijay Hazare Trophy history.
After Saurashtra won the toss and opted to bowl, Odisha’s top order collapsed early. However, Samal steadied the innings with a magnificent 261-run partnership for the fourth wicket alongside skipper Biplab Samantray.
While Samantray went on to score a century, Samal stole the show with a breathtaking 212 off 169 balls, hammering 21 fours and eight sixes. His innings powered Odisha to a commanding total of 345/5 in their tournament opener.
Who is Swastik Samal?
Hailing from Kopratpur, Swastik Samal represents Odisha as an opener across formats. He has featured in 12 First-Class matches, 10 List-A games, and 13 T20s so far in his domestic career.
Interestingly, Samal was among the 1,355 players who registered for the IPL 2026 mini-auction, but did not make the final shortlist of 369 players. His record-breaking knock could now put him firmly on the radar.
