Jharkhand skipper Ishan Kishan made a triumphant return to red-ball cricket, leading his team to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Madhya Pradesh in the Buchi Babu fixture. Kishan’s stellar performance, including a century in the first innings and an unbeaten 41 in the second, proved instrumental in Jharkhand’s success.
In the first innings, Kishan showcased his aggressive batting style, smashing a 107-ball 114. His innings included 12 fours and 4 sixes, setting the tone for Jharkhand’s strong start. In the second innings, with Jharkhand needing 12 runs to win with two wickets remaining, Kishan took the responsibility upon himself. He smashed two sixes off Akash Rajawat in the 55th over, guiding his team to a memorable victory.
Kishan’s return to the Ranji Trophy fold is a significant development for Jharkhand. After being omitted from the initial long list, Kishan expressed his desire to participate, leading to his inclusion in the squad. His decision to prioritize domestic cricket is a testament to his commitment to the team.
Kishan’s last domestic first-class game was in December 2022. His absence from the Ranji Trophy towards the end of the 2023-24 season cost him a place on the central contract list. However, his impressive performance in the Buchi Babu tournament has reignited hopes of a successful return to the Ranji Trophy in the upcoming season.
The 26-year-old made his Test debut in 2023, filling in for an injured Rishabh Pant. Despite being selected for the South Africa series, he opted out due to mental fatigue. Kishan has featured in two Tests, 17 ODIs, and 11 T20Is in 2023, showcasing his versatility across formats.
The Buchi Babu tournament, revived after a six-year hiatus, provides a valuable platform for teams to prepare for the upcoming domestic season. The four-day red-ball format mirrors the Ranji Trophy league stages, offering teams a chance to fine-tune their skills and strategies.
