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Ishan Kishan, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, made a resounding return to first-class cricket in the ongoing Duleep Trophy. His century, scored for India C against India B, showcased his impressive form and served as a timely reminder of his capabilities in the longer format of the game. The innings not only contributed significantly to India C's strong first-day total of 357/5 but also provided valuable insight into Kishan's fitness and readiness ahead of potential future national call-ups.
Kishan's inclusion in India C's squad was a last-minute decision, with him initially part of the India D contingent. He stepped in to fill the void left by several players who departed for the upcoming international series against Bangladesh, showcasing his versatility and adaptability in the face of changing circumstances. The century, achieved off just 126 deliveries, was a testament to his aggressive batting style, peppered with 14 boundaries and three maximums, demonstrating his ability to score quickly and dominate bowling attacks.
Kishan's century was particularly noteworthy considering his recent struggles in red-ball cricket. Following a solitary Test appearance against West Indies in July 2023, Kishan's focus shifted towards limited-overs formats. However, his recent performance in the Buchi Babu Invitational tournament, where he notched a century for Jharkhand, signaled a potential resurgence in his red-ball form. The Duleep Trophy century further cemented his return to form, potentially putting him back in the selectors' radar for future opportunities at the highest level.
The innings provided the selectors with a much-needed assessment of Kishan's fitness, as he missed the opening round of the Duleep Trophy due to a groin injury. With his impressive performance, Kishan demonstrated his resilience and ability to overcome setbacks, reinforcing his commitment to the game. This positive outcome could be a turning point for Kishan, paving the way for a potential return to the Indian Test team in the future.
Source: Duleep Trophy: Ishan Kishan slams ton on first-class return