Ishan Kishan has fired a powerful reminder to national selectors—and critics alike—with a match-defining, unbeaten 125 for Jharkhand on Day 1 of their Ranji Trophy clash against Tamil Nadu. The knock came just weeks after his omission from India’s limited-overs squads, sparking intense debate over his form and future.
On a pitch offering early movement in Chennai, Kishan walked in with Jharkhand reeling at 42/3. What followed was a masterclass in composure and counter-attack. His 125*—laced with 16 boundaries and 2 sixes—anchored Jharkhand’s recovery to a solid 307/6 by stumps, turning a potential collapse into a commanding position.
Ishan Kishan Answers India Omission with Bat in Hand
Since being dropped from the Indian team following inconsistent returns in the T20 World Cup and subsequent bilateral series, Kishan faced mounting scrutiny. Pundits questioned his technique against quality spin, while fans lamented his fading presence in the middle order.
But on Wednesday, under the Chennai sun, Ishan Kishan let his bat do the talking. “This century is for everyone who believed in me—and for those who doubted me,” he told reporters after play.
His innings wasn’t just about runs; it was about resilience. He rotated strike intelligently, punished loose deliveries, and showed rare discipline against Tamil Nadu’s spin trio of R. Ashwin, M. Mohammed, and S. Sharun Kumar.
Other Standout Performances on Ranji Trophy Day 1
While Kishan stole headlines, other stars also shone across India’s domestic circuit:
- Aman Mokhade (Vidarbha): The defending champions posted 302/3 against Nagaland, powered by Mokhade’s fluent 148.
- K.S. Bharat (Andhra): The India Test wicketkeeper-batter smashed 144 off 228 balls as Andhra ended Day 1 at 300/2 against Uttar Pradesh.
Ishan Kishan’s Recent Domestic & International Form
| Tournament | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPL 2025 | 312 | 28.36 | 138.7 |
| T20 World Cup 2025 | 89 | 22.25 | 124.6 |
| Ranji Trophy 2025–26 (1st Innings) | 125* | 125.00 | 68.3 |
The contrast between his white-ball struggles and red-ball fluency raises a familiar question: Is Kishan better suited to the longer format? His technique—compact, wristy, and patient—suggests he could thrive in first-class cricket, even if T20s remain a challenge.
What This Century Means for His India Comeback
Selectors are watching. With India’s Test squad for the upcoming home series against Australia yet to be finalized, Kishan’s Ranji form could reignite discussions about his versatility. While he’s primarily seen as a white-ball specialist, a consistent red-ball run could open doors as a backup keeper-batter.
Former India selector Sarandeep Singh noted, “Performances in domestic cricket still matter. If he strings together a few more innings like this, you can’t ignore him.”
For now, Kishan isn’t looking ahead. “I’m just focused on Jharkhand,” he said. “The rest will follow.”