New Delhi: Ishan Kishan is making full use of the limited opportunities he is getting to impress the national selectors. The Jharkhand wicket-keeper batter, who has been out-of-favour since getting dropped from the BCCI Central Contracts list earlier this year, made a strong statement by smashing a magnificent century in the Duleep Trophy.
After missing the Round 1 match due to an injury, Ishan made a surprise return to the tournament in India C’s playing XI for the second-round match against India B in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.
The explosive southpaw made the most of the opportunity by registering a three-figure score. At his aggressive best, Ishan completed his half-century in just 48 balls. After India C lost two wickets for a single run, Ishan played a counter-attacking innings to put India B on the back foot.
Ishan notched up his century in just 103 balls with the help of 14 boundaries and three sixes.
Fans flooded the internet with reactions following the superb century.
HUNDRED BY ISHAN KISHAN IN DULEEP TROPHY…!!! 🌟
– The star player announces his arrival return with a remarkable century in just 121 balls. Couldn’t play the 1st round due to an injury, but makes a memorable comeback. 👏 pic.twitter.com/KZ7dyeTP4W
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 12, 2024
HUNDRED FOR ISHAN KISHAN…!!!! 🫡
– What a comeback for Ishan in domestics, India C lost 2 quick wickets, then came Ishan & smashed a brilliant Hundred while batting at 4.
A memorable innings for Ishan Kishan. ⚡ pic.twitter.com/x1QjP4Y3CJ
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 12, 2024
INCREDIBLE HUNDRED FOR ISHAN KISHAN…!!!!! 🌟
He smashed Hundred in just 103 balls on his return for India C in the Duleep Trophy – ISHAN KISHAN IS BACK. pic.twitter.com/ZO7YUlLyXt
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) September 12, 2024
– Hundred in the first match in Buchi Babu tournament.
– Hundred in the first match in Duleep Trophy.
THE COMEBACK IS ON, ISHAN KISHAN IS RETURNING IN STYLE 👊 pic.twitter.com/91zZFCOES0
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 12, 2024
Ishan lays solid foundation for India comeback
Ishan has laid a solid platform for his return to the Indian team. The Duleep Trophy century comes on the back of a sensational century for Jharkhand in the opening round of the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament in August. Captaining his state team, Ishan hit back-to-back sixes to reach the milestone on his return to the red-ball format in the match against Madhya Pradesh in Thirunelveli.
Ishan and Shreyas Iyer were removed from the BCCI Central Contracts list for alleged lack of commitment towards Test cricket. All the senior players were advised to prioritise domestic-red ball cricket to be considered for the Test team.
Ishan has done his chances no harm by smashing comeback centuries in Buchi Babu and Duleep Trophy.
Earlier in the morning session, India C skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad retired after facing two balls. The early blow didn’t deter Sai Sudharsan (40), and Rajat Patidar (43), who stitched a superb 92-run stand for the second wicket. But India B hit back with two quick wickets to dismiss both the batters in quick succession.
Ishan and Baba Inderjith took control of the match by sharing an 189-run stand for the fourth wicket. Ishan was dismissed for 111 (126, 14x4s, 3x6s) by Mukesh Kumar.
Duleep Trophy: Ishan Kishan notched up his century in just 103 balls with the help of 14 boundaries and three sixes. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
