In a rare and unexpected turn of events, Jharkhand captain and star wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan showcased his bowling skills during a Buchi Babu invitational tournament match against Hyderabad in Chennai. A viral video captured Kishan bowling off-spin with Jharkhand facing an uphill battle after a disappointing batting performance in the first innings. Despite the team’s struggles, Kishan’s bowling proved effective, as he conceded only five runs from his two overs.
This surprising display of bowling prowess comes on the heels of Rishabh Pant’s own bowling experiment during the Delhi Premier League (DPL). Notably, Kishan has never bowled for the Indian team or in the Indian Premier League. However, he has bowled five overs in First Class cricket, albeit without claiming a wicket.
Kishan’s bowling debut in the Buchi Babu tournament was not his only notable performance. He also excelled with the bat, helping Jharkhand secure a victory over Madhya Pradesh earlier this week. In the first innings, he scored a brilliant 114 off 107 balls. In the second innings, he remained unbeaten on 41, guiding Jharkhand to a two-wicket win.
Kishan’s return to red-ball cricket has been a resounding success. His decision to participate in the Buchi Babu tournament, despite not being initially included in Jharkhand’s long list, has paid off handsomely. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Kishan has also expressed his desire to return to the Ranji Trophy fold during the 2024-25 season.
Kishan’s last domestic first-class game was in December 2022. His absence from the Ranji Trophy towards the end of the 2023-24 domestic season proved costly, as he was removed from the central contract list for not prioritizing domestic cricket. However, his recent performances suggest that he is fully committed to regaining his place in the Indian team.
