On his comeback to competitive cricket after nearly four months, Ishan Kishan hit a magnificent century for India C versus India B in the ongoing Duleep Trophy match at the Rural Development Trust Stadium B in Anantapur.
After suffering a groin ailment that kept him out of the competition in the first round, Kishan appeared as though he would always be there as he hit a superb tonne, his seventh in 51 first-class appearances.
India B chose to field first and sent Ruturaj Gaikwad, the opposition captain, back to the dressing room as soon as he took on the field. But Gaikwad’s retirement was the reason for it—he seemed to have twisted his ankle.
After Rajat Patidar was dismissed, the southpaw entered the pitch because he was unsettled by a frightening Navdeep Saini. Kishan took advantage of any wayward deliveries made by India B’s bowlers, keeping up the scoring pace even after fellow left-handed batsman Sai Sudharsan was removed a few overs later.
Kishan put on a steady partnership alongside Baba Indrajith, who led India B in scoring during their first-inning victory over India A. Both batsmen appeared at ease at the crease. The Patna native was extremely at ease against the spin of Washington Sundar, Sai Kishore, and Rahul Chahar, appearing to get more comfortable as his innings went on.
Kishan was removed from the game after scoring 111 from 126 deliveries, which included three massive sixes and 14 fours. India B, who had been far more effective with the ball in their previous match, appeared out of sorts as Kishan and Indrajith put together a third-wicket stand of 197 runs.
If his current results continue, Ishan Kishan could become a red-ball for India.
This knock against India B has undoubtedly laid a solid foundation, as many former cricketers have emphasised that Kishan is a strong candidate to play for India in the longest format of the game as long as he plays and performs well in the domestic arena.
The governing body took issue with his participation in a local T20 event in Navi Mumbai, notwithstanding his alleged absence from the previous Ranji Trophy season owing to a protracted mental health hiatus, for which he was not awarded a contract by the Senior Selection Committee.
Also Read: Duleep Trophy 2024: Ruturaj Gaikwad, the captain of India C, retires hurt after allegedly injuring his ankle
The 26-year-old played for Jharkhand in the All India Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament last month, and in one of the team’s games against Madhya Pradesh, he struck a brilliant century. But the competition did not fall under the purview of a first-rate competition.
India
