Ishan Kishan smashes 'first-class' ton in Anantapur

Ishan Kishan brought up a fantastic century for India C on his return to competitive cricket after almost four months during the ongoing edition of the Duleep Trophy against India B at the Rural Development Trust Stadium B in Anantapur. 

Kishan, who was ruled out of the first round of competition due to a groin injury, looked as if he was never out of the mix as he stroked a brilliant ton, his seventh in his 51st first-class outing. 

Opting to field first, India B took the field and immediately sent the opposition's skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, back to the dressing room. However, it was due to Gaikwad retiring out due to apparently twisting his ankle.

Check Here: India C skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad retired hurt after reportedly twisting ankle

The southpaw came out in the middle post the dismissal of Rajat Patidar, who was disturbed by a menacing Navdeep Saini. Even after fellow left-handed batter, Sai Sudharsan, was dismissed a few overs later, Kishan didn't let the scoring rate go down, as he capitalized on any loose deliveries bowled by India B's bowlers.

Teaming up with Baba Indrajith, who was the top-scorer for India B in the first innings of their win against India A, Kishan put on a steady stand as both the batters looked comfortable at the crease. The Patna-born looked particularly comfortable against the spin of Washington Sundar, Sai Kishore, and Rahul Chahar, as he began to look only at more ease as his innings progressed.

Kishan's stay at the crease was halted for a score of 111 off 126 deliveries, a knock that comprised 14 fours and three towering sixes. India B, who were much more potent with the ball in their previous game, looked out of sorts as the pair of Kishan and Indrajith strung a 197-run stand for the third wicket.

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Kishan poised to make red-ball for India if similar performances sustain  

With quite a few ex-cricketers emphasizing on Kishan being well in contention for a spot in the longest format of the game for India provided he participates and does well in the domestic arena, this knock against India B has surely served as a good foundation.

He was previously not provided a contract by the Senior Selection Committee for reportedly not participating in the previous edition of the Ranji Trophy due to a prolonged mental health break, but played a local T20 tournament in Navi Mumbai, which didn't quite sit right with the governing body.

Also Read: Duleep Trophy 2024: 3 Players to Watch Out for in Round Two

The 26-year-old was involved in the All India Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament for Jharkhand last month, and also scored a scintillating century against Madhya Pradesh in one of Jharkhand's matches. However, the tournament didn't come under the umbrella of a first-class tournament.