Duleep Trophy 2024: Ishan Kishan makes eye-catching return to domestic cricket with 111-run knock for India C

India’s out-of-contention cricket star Ishan Kishan has made a statement return to domestic cricket on Thursday (Sep 12) by slamming an eye-catching 111 for India C in the 2024 Duleep Trophy. The prestigious domestic tournament, being held in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantpur, saw the Mumbai Indians star gather important runs ahead of an important next few months with Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions and an Australia tour on the horizon. Ishan’s hundred could help the star batter revive his chances of a return to the national side with India A side all set to travel to Australia before the senior team’s tour begins on November 22.

Ishan makes statement return

Playing on Day 1 for India C, the southpaw scored 111 off 126 deliveries that included 14 fours and 3 sixes. His impressive strike rate of 88 was the feature of the show before he fell to Mukesh Kumar as the day was near to close. He got a good helping hand from captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (46), Sai Sudharsan (43) and Rajat Patidar (40). However, it was his partnership with Baba Indrajith that made the highlight reel of the day.

While Ishan scored a ton, Indrajith was unlucky and was dismissed for 78 by Rahul Chahar. The duo stitched a partnership of 189 runs for the third wicket and made sure India C sat at a comfortable position at Stumps on Day 1. At the end of the day, India C were 357/5 with Mukesh Kumar being the pick of the bowlers with figures of 76/3 in 21 overs, while Navdeep Saini and Rahul Chaharended with one wicket each.

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Ishan eyes IPL retention

Earlier in the year, Ishan was stripped of his central contract by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) along with Shreyas Iyer. While the latter made his return for the national side during the Sri Lanka series, Ishan is still waiting for his opportunity to return. However, his eyes will be on the IPL auctions, where he could be released by Mumbai Indians. With only four players likely to be retained, Ishan’s chances of retention depend on two key factors – his performances in domestic cricket and the scope for retention in the MI camp.

Interestingly, he was released for the IPL mega auctions held for IPL 2022 but swiftly returned as the franchise owners paid a whopping amount to get him back.