Bowled on 299! Bengal’s Sudip Gharami Becomes First Indian in First-Class History to be Dismissed One Short of Triple Century

In the 91-year history of the Ranji Trophy, we have seen marathon knocks, records shattered, and legends born. But on February 9, 2026, at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani, cricket fans witnessed a moment of pure statistical cruelty.

Bengal’s top-order mainstay, Sudip Kumar Gharami, etched his name into the history books for a reason no batter ever desires: becoming the first Indian in First-Class history to be dismissed for 299.

The Marathon Knock

The context of the innings made the feat even more remarkable. In the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Andhra, Bengal found themselves in a spot of bother early on. Magicwin Responding to Andhra's first-innings total of 295, Bengal were reduced to 43/3.

Gharami, coming in at number three, didn't just steady the ship—he built a fortress. Over the course of four grueling days, he faced 596 deliveries, making it one of the longest individual stays at the crease in Indian domestic history. His innings was a masterclass in temperament, featuring:

• Runs: 299

• Balls: 596

• Boundaries: 31 fours and 6 sixes

• Key Partnership: A massive 221-run stand with wicket-keeper Shakir Habib Gandhi (95).

The Heartbreaking Dismissal

As the fourth day progressed, the anticipation in Kalyani was electric. Gharami had already surpassed his previous career best of 186 and was coasting toward the magical 300-run mark. Only four Bengal players had ever scored a triple century in First-Class cricket, and Gharami looked destined to be the fifth.

Then, the unthinkable happened. Facing Andhra's Shaik Rasheed, a ball kept unexpectedly low. Gharami, who had been impenetrable for nearly 600 balls, was beaten by the low bounce. The off-stump was disturbed, and the scoreboard froze at 299.

The silence that followed was deafening. Gharami stood at the crease, head bowed in disbelief, before slowly making the long walk back to the pavilion to a standing ovation from teammates and spectators alike.

A Rare and Unwanted Record

While Gharami is the first Indian to be dismissed on 299, he joins a very short, elite, and "unlucky" list in the world of First-Class cricket:

1. The First Indian: Before Gharami, Maharashtra’s Shantanu Sugwekar (1988-89) was the only Indian to finish on 299, but he remained unbeaten as his team ran out of wickets.

2. The Global Context: Gharami is only the third player in the 250-plus year history of First-Class cricket to be dismissed for 299.

3. The Bradman Connection: Even the great Sir Don Bradman finished a Test match on 299 not out (vs South Africa, 1932). While Bradman wasn't dismissed, the "299 club" remains one of the most exclusive and painful tiers in cricket.

Bengal’s Dominance

Despite the personal heartbreak for Gharami, his monumental effort put Bengal in a position of absolute authority. Bengal finished their innings at a mammoth 629/10, taking a massive 334-run lead. The knock effectively batted Andhra out of the game, securing Bengal's path toward the semi-finals.

Final Thoughts

Sudip Gharami’s 299 will be remembered not for the one run he missed, but for the 299 he earned through sheer grit and endurance. In a sport obsessed with "milestones," Gharami’s innings reminds us that sometimes, the journey—and the oddity of the destination—is more memorable than the round figure itself.