Ishan Kishan shines with hundred after India C’s late entry in Duleep Trophy

Ishan Kishan announced his arrival in the 2024 Duleep Trophy in style with a stunning hundred for India C against India B at the Rural Development Trust Stadium B. Kishan made a late return to India C’s playing XI and found his place as a specialist batter with Abhishek Porel taking over the wicketkeeping duties in the second round of the 2024 Duleep Trophy. Kishan rose to the occasion with a breezy knock as he reached the three-figure mark off just 119 balls. Kishan, who made his first-class debut for Jharkhand at the age of 16 in 2014 and scored a hundred and fifty in his first ten first-class matches, registered his 7th hundred in the format.

Kishan put aside the disappointment of the past and made his mark at the start of India’s domestic season. He walked out to bat after Sai Sudharsan and Rajat Patidar departed in quick succession in the first innings. After India B opted to bowl first, India C were dealt a huge blow as their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad retires due to injury after facing two balls by twisting his right ankle. However, opener Sudharsan scored 43 off 75 and Patidar’s contribution of 67-ball 40 helped them recover as they shared a 92-run stand.

Kishan’s airy knock

After Patidar’s dismissal, Kishan walked to bat and three balls later he lost Sudharsan and Baba Indrajith joined him. While Indrajith was vigilant with his stroke, Kishan kept the scoreboard ticking and scored at a run-a-ball rate. Boundaries flowed for Kishan as he looked comfortable at the crease.

In his brisk knock, Kishan reached his fifty in just 48 balls in his bid to get back into India’s scheme of things. The left-hander made the most of the opportunity and was well supported by a courageous Indrajith, who also scored his second consecutive first-class fifty. The duo shared a stand of 150+ runs and put India C in a dominant position.

How did Kishan suddenly get admitted in India C?

He has been out of the Indian team since he was pulled out of India’s Test squad against South Africa in December last year, citing mental health issues. Former India head coach Rahul Dravid and BCCI secretary Jay Shah stressed the need for Kishan to play domestic cricket to stand a chance of making a comeback to the Indian team.

Interestingly, Kishan was part of India’s D team when the selections for Round 1 were announced. he missed the first match for India D due to a groin injury and Sanju Samson was named as his replacement in India D. In an unexpected move, Kishan’s name suddenly cropped up in the India C playing squad on Day 1 of their match against India B.