Ishan Kishan’s Century Headlines India’s Commanding Day Against India B in Duleep Trophy
In a thrilling contest, Ishan Kishan stole the show with a magnificent knock of 111 off 126 deliveries, as India C ended Day 1 in a dominant position, scoring 357 for 5 in the second round of the Duleep Trophy against India B at the Rural Development Trust Stadium in Anantapur. His stellar partnership of 189 runs for the third wicket with Baba Indrajith, who contributed a solid 78, anchored India C’s innings and took them past the 300-run mark.
India B’s Mukesh Kumar was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3 for 76, pegging back India C in the final overs of the day.
Gaikwad’s Early Setback
India B opted to field after winning the toss, and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad opened the innings with a boundary off Mukesh Kumar’s first ball. However, his joy was short-lived as he twisted his ankle while attempting a quick single on the very next delivery. Forced to retire hurt, Gaikwad’s early exit was a blow for India C, but the top order managed to stabilize the innings despite the setback.
Steady Start by Patidar and Sudharsan
Rajat Patidar and Sai Sudharsan steadied the innings with a composed partnership of 92 runs for the first wicket. Patidar looked in good touch before being bowled by Navdeep Saini for 40. Moments later, Sudharsan followed him back to the pavilion, dismissed for 43 by Mukesh Kumar, caught by Saini. With both openers back in the hut, India C seemed to be in a precarious situation, but Kishan and Indrajith had other plans.
Kishan and Indrajith Dominate India B Bowlers
Ishan Kishan, coming in at No. 4, took charge and built the innings beautifully alongside Indrajith. The duo displayed immense resilience and skill, frustrating the India B bowlers with their patience and aggression. Kishan, in particular, was in sublime form, smashing 14 boundaries and three sixes during his century, bringing up his ton in style. Indrajith, though not as aggressive, played a crucial supporting role, adding a fluent 78 to the team’s total.
The partnership, which spanned over 40 overs, was eventually broken when Mukesh Kumar bowled Kishan, ending a potentially match-defining innings. Six overs later, Indrajith was sent back to the pavilion by leg-spinner Rahul Chahar.
Gaikwad’s Gutsy Return
Despite suffering an injury earlier, Gaikwad returned to the crease after Kishan’s dismissal, providing India C with some much-needed stability towards the close of play. He remained unbeaten on 42 from 44 balls, continuing to show positive intent. His return was a welcome sight for India C, as they aimed to finish the day on a high.
Abhishek Porel was the last man to fall, trapped LBW by Mukesh Kumar after a quick cameo of 12 runs. Manav Suthar added two boundaries towards the end of the day, helping India C reach a strong total of 357 for 5 at stumps.
Day 1 Wrap-Up
It was a day dominated by India C, thanks to the heroics of Ishan Kishan and Baba Indrajith. Their massive third-wicket partnership and Gaikwad’s gritty return ensured that India C ended the day in a commanding position. While Mukesh Kumar’s efforts with the ball gave India B some relief, they will need to come out firing on Day 2 to avoid conceding a significant first-innings lead.
Brief Scores:
India C: 357/5 in 90 overs (Ishan Kishan 111, Baba Indrajith 78, Ruturaj Gaikwad 42*; Mukesh Kumar 3-76)
This comprehensive performance by India C sets the stage for an exciting Day 2 in this crucial Duleep Trophy clash.