Ishan Kishan's Century Ignites India C's Dominance in Duleep Trophy

Ishan Kishan announced his return to first-class cricket with a century, helping India C reach 357/5 against India B on the first day of the Duleep Trophy. Kishan's dynamic performance, coupled with Baba Indrajit's 78-run knock, set a strong foundation for India C.

Ishan Kishan marked his return to first-class cricket with a counterattacking century for India C against India B on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy's second round. His powerful innings boosted India C to a solid score of 357/5 by the end of the day.

Originally not included in the revised squads by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Kishan was added to the India C lineup at the last moment. This match was Kishan's first red-ball game since his Test debut in the Caribbean in July 2023, and he did not disappoint. He formed a crucial 189-run partnership with Baba Indrajit, who himself scored a vital 78 runs.

Kishan's seventh first-class century was filled with 14 boundaries and three maximums. India B's bowling attack, featuring Navdeep Saini, Rahul Chahar, and Mukesh Kumar, struggled to contain him. Mukesh Kumar briefly halted India C's charge by taking crucial wickets, including Kishan's. Despite the efforts of Saini and Chahar, India C maintained their dominance.

In another game, India A and India D engaged in a seesaw battle. Contributions from Harshit Rana, Vidhwath Kaverappa, and Arshdeep Singh, who took two wickets each, kept the game balanced. Shams Mulani's unbeaten 88 and Tanush Kotian's 53 propelled India A from a precarious 144/6 to a competitive 288/8.

(With inputs from agencies.)