Buchi Babu tournament: Ishan Kishan shines with three spectacular catches
Ishan Kishan, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, has made a remarkable return to red-ball cricket by taking three stunning catches in his first match of the 2024 domestic season. Ishan's catches came for Jharkhand against Madhya Pradesh in the Buchi Babu tournament, which began on August 15. This performance comes after his exclusion from the BCCI central contract list. He continues his quest for returning to the Indian cricket team.
First red-ball match since July 2023
Ishan's comeback game was scheduled against MP at the India Cements Limited Cricket Ground in Sankar Nagar. This marks his first red-ball match since July 2023, when he played against the West Indies at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad. While leading Jharkhand against MP, Ishan showcased exceptional wicket-keeping skills by taking three catches on Day 1.
Ishan's catches help restrict Madhya Pradesh
Ishan's outstanding wicket-keeping helped Jharkhand restrict Madhya Pradesh to to 225/8 in 89.5 overs on Day 1. 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 S Kushwah, who had scored a formidable 84 runs off 171 balls.
Ishan bounces back with century
MP were bowled out for 225 in the first innings. Jharkhand skipper Ishan then came to the middle and slammed a whirlwind 114 off 107 balls. His knock was studded with 5 fours and 10 sixes.
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.
Ishan eyes 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 could now play the Buchi Babu Invitational tournament.
