PANAJI
Goa’s Ranji captain Snehal Kauthankar was conferred with the prestigious Madhavrao Scindia Award at the BCCI Annual Naman Awards 2026 held at a glittering function in New Delhi on Sunday. Kauthankar is the first Goan to receive this award.
Kauthankar was honoured for being the highest run-getter during Ranji Trophy Plate Group 2024-25 season.
The 2024-25 Ranji season was a dream run for Snehal. He not only top-scored with 949 runs at an average of 189.8, but also was a key figure in Goa winning the Ranji Plate division during that season and thereby qualifying for Ranji Elite group for 2025-26 season.
During that season, Snehal scored three 100s and two 50s in seven innings. His classic knocks of 250 against Mizoram at Ahmedabad was followed by 314 not out against Arunachal Pradesh at Porvorim. In fact, his innings against Arunachal was the highest individual score by a Goan batsman in Ranji Trophy history.
During that match, Kauthankar and Kashyap Bakhale were involved in 606-run third-wicket partnership, the highest in the 90-year history of the Ranji Trophy. In the process, Bakhale also scored his maiden triple ton as he remained unbeaten on 300. In fact, Snehal and Kashyap slammed the second and third-fastest first-class triple tons by an Indian during that match.
“I feel extremely proud and deeply humbled to receive this medal from the legendary Sunil Gavaskar Sir. It was truly a very humbling moment for me. To stand there among so many legends of the game made me realise how much more there is to learn, and it motivates me to keep working harder every day, “ Kauthankar told The Goan.
“Being the first Goan to receive this honour makes it even more special. I hope this achievement inspires other sportspersons and young cricketers from our state to strive for excellence and to dream big, work hard, and bring pride and recognition to Goa.”
Snehal further added, “I am extremely grateful to the Goa Cricket Association and all the coaches, my colleagues and support staff for their constant guidance, belief, and encouragement throughout my journey. I would also like to sincerely thank my wife, my parents, and my entire family for their unwavering love and support, without which none of this would have been possible.”
“Receiving this award in the presence of so many cricketing legends at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 was truly an honour and a moment I will cherish forever. I remain very grateful for this recognition and will continue to work hard and stay grounded as I strive to earn more accolades for my state and contribute to the game,” Kauthankar said.
