Ishan Kishan's Blazing Return Sparks India C's Commanding Position

Ishan Kishan marked his return to First-Class cricket with a brilliant hundred, helping India C achieve a commanding total of 357 for five against India B in the Duleep Trophy match. Kishan's steady performance underlined his recovering fitness and placed India C in a strong position.

Ishan Kishan marked his First-Class return after well over a year with a wonderful hundred, anchoring India C's day one total of 357 for five against India B in the Duleep Trophy match here on Thursday.

Kishan's 111 (126b, 14x4, 3x6) lifted India C from a precarious 97 for two after they lost Rajat Patidar (40) and B Sai Sudharsan (43) in quick succession. The innings also emphasized the fitness of the 26-year-old, who missed the first round of the Duleep Trophy with a groin injury. Originally in India D squad, Kishan was replaced by Sanju Samson due to his injury, necessitating a reshuffle that saw Kishan moved to India C.

Despite facing early setbacks, India C's position was bolstered when skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad returned to the crease after Kishan's dismissal, making an unbeaten 46. At the end of the day, India C's strength was firmly thanks to Kishan's solid performance, re-establishing his value in red-ball cricket.

(With inputs from agencies.)