Dropped Indian cricketer Ishan Kishan has claimed India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a scintillating knock in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kishan slammed a fiery hundred while opening the batting for his state Jharkhand.
It was a dominant knock from the wicketkeeper as he showed his class. Captaining his team, he showed great intent from the first ball which immediately put the Manipur bowlers under pressure.
Chasing 254 to win, Ishan Kishan and Utkarsh Singh were quick out of the blocks and didn't bother to stop. While Utkarsh Singh was steady earlier, Kishan continued to smash the bowlers down the ground.
It was a carnage at the stadium Dr. Soni from Jaipur as none of the players proved good enough to stop Kishan. The left-handed batsman found the gaps with ease and it wasn't too difficult for him to clear the boundary strings as well.
Read also: Vinod Kambli critic; admitted to Mumbai Hospital
Ishan Kishan slams 64 balls
HUNDRED FOR CAPTAIN ISHAN KISHAN…!!!!
– Ishan smashed a hundred off just 64 balls including 14 fours and 3 sixes, What s knock, Captain on charge in VHT ⚡ pic.twitter.com/WJgtJhLLlf
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 23, 2024
Ishan Kishan completed his century off just 64 balls. By the time he reached his hundred, he had already hit 14 fours and 3 sixes. It was an innings full of power and precision as Kishan was all over the Manipur bowlers.
He was eventually dismissed for 134 runs off just 78 deliveries by left-arm spinner Kishan Singha. He smashed 16 fours and 6 sixes during his knock. The opener struck at an exceptional strike rate of 171.79 and almost finished the target single-handedly, scoring more than 50% of the runs for his side.
Jharkhand chased down the target with ease
The other opener Utkarsh Singh was also dismissed by Kishan Singha. Utkarsh was dismissed for 68 off 64 balls. Jharkhand chased down the target in just 28.3 overs with Kumar Kushagra and Anukul Roy the two unbeaten players on the surface.
Earlier, Manipur scored 253-7 while batting first. Johnson Singh top-scored for his side with a fine 69, while the other batsmen also made vital contributions. Utkarsh Singh and Anukul Roy took two wickets each.
Will Ishan Kishan make it to India's ICC Champions Trophy squad?
Ishan Kishan's knock came at a time when the selectors are eyeing the Vijay Hazare Trophy for India's squad selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Kishan was earlier dropped from the BCCI's contract list on grounds of indiscipline.
However, he can stake a claim to the national team with some strong performances here. India are looking for a third opener for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and Kishan can fulfill that criteria if he performs consistently in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Kishan has scored 161 runs in the two matches so far at an average of 80.50 and a strike rate of 150.46. He can be in contention for the future Champions Trophy as a wicket-keeper batsman