Buchi Babu Trophy: Ishan Kishan's heroics help Jharkhand beat MP
Ishan Kishan, the captain of Jharkhand's cricket team, led his side to a thrilling victory over Madhya Pradesh in their first Buchi Babu Trophy match at the India Cements Limited Cricket Ground in Tirunelveli. The wicket-keeper batter showcased his exceptional skills by hitting two sixes in a crucial over, securing a two-wicket win for his team. This performance followed an impressive century he scored earlier in the game. He also took some spectacular catches behind the wicket.
Ishan's batting seals victory for Jharkhand
In the second innings, Ishan smashed an unbeaten 41, helping Jharkhand reach their target of 175 runs. The turning point came in the 54th over when Jharkhand required 12 runs. However, they had just two wickets remaining. Ishan, who started with a dot ball, smacked 2 sixes off Akash Rajawat's bowling. This sealed a significant win for his team.
Here's how Jharkhand beat MP
Batting first, Madhya Pradesh set a score of 225 runs in 91.3 overs, thanks to half-centuries from Shubham Kushwaha and Arham Aquil. In response, Ishan scored a swift century (114 off 107 balls), giving Jharkhand a lead of 64 runs before they were all out for 289. Madhya Pradesh racked up 238 in the second innings, setting a target of 175 for Jharkhand.
Return to red-ball cricket with stunning catches
Ishan made a remarkable return to red-ball cricket by taking some stunning catches early in the match. His first catch came in the 15th over when he caught Chanchal Rathore off Vivekanand Tiwary's bowling. Later, he assisted off-spinner Aditya Singh by dismissing Shubham, who had scored a formidable 84 runs off 171 balls.
What lies ahead for Ishan?
Following the 2024 Buchi Babu tournament, Ishan will participate in the Duleep Trophy, starting September 5. He will be part of Team D, which includes cricketers like Devdutt Padikkal, Axar Patel, and Shreyas Iyer.
Comeback to national side
In February this year, the BCCI terminated the annual contracts of batters Ishan and Shreyas Iyer. The duo had been under the scanner after the BCCI mandated the contracted players to play First-Class cricket. Iyer was dropped for the final three England Tests and skipped the Ranji Trophy quarter-final. And Ishan had been on a personal break. Earlier this month, it was reported that both Iyer and Ishan would now play the Buchi Babu Invitational tournament.
