Ishan Kishan smashed a sensational century on Monday as East Zone charged strongly in reply to South Zone's first innings in the Duleep Trophy final. The left-hander put on a stand of 213 runs for the sixth wicket with opener Ravindra Jadeja, who scored 70, and later hit a six over the Riverfront Stand during his second Test.
Kishan took a brilliant single off the last delivery of the over from bowler Harbhajan Singh to reach 200. He finished with 212 not out from 249 balls, striking 23 fours and 11 sixes. The left-hander has now scored 20 centuries in first-class cricket.
Ishan Kishan hit three sixes in an over from Harbhajan Singh. South Zone's total of 228 was the highest first-innings score in the tournament's history.
Ishan Kishan Joins Elite Duleep Trophy Double-Century Club
Lamba has the highest individual score in a Duleep Trophy final with 320 against West Zone in 1987–88, followed by Gaekwad with 216 against North Zone in the same tournament. Pujara remains unbeaten in the tournament's final for India Red against South Zone with 256 in 2016–17, and the last double century before Kishan was Jaiswal's 209 against South Zone.
Kishan had taken full charge of the East Zone innings and at the end of the first day, East Zone were 385/4 with Kishan scoring unbeaten 111 along with Kumar Kushagra, who was not out on 63. The pair added an unbeaten 144-run stand from just 26.4 overs to put East Zone in control of the match.
Kushagra continued his excellent innings on Day 2 and also took his century before eventually being dismissed. His dismissal, however, gave no respite to Kishan, who continued to dominate the South Zone bowling attack and continue to build up his monumental innings.
The knock, however, has more significance for Kishan as he seeks to re-establish himself as a reliable red-ball batsman. In the process, he notched up his 4,000 milestone in first-class cricket and also took his 10th century in the format.
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Ishan Kishan Sends Strong Message to National Selectors
East Zone's good position is particularly significant given their wait for another Duleep Trophy title. The team have not won the competition for 13 years and is in a position to finish the final without having to bat a second time, provided their bowlers deliver with discipline.
For Kishan, however, the implications of the innings have gone far beyond the trophy and his ability to absorb pressure, bat for long periods and maintain an attacking approach in a high-stakes domestic final provides a timely reminder of his red-ball credentials.
The double century is another strong message from the wicketkeeper-batsman as he looks to force his way back into India's plans. Having demonstrated both temperament and adaptability over two days in Chennai, Kishan has given the national selectors plenty to think about ahead of India's future red-ball assignments.