Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has sent a thunderous message to the national selectors with a breathtaking century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His whirlwind knock for Jharkhand against Karnataka on Wednesday has dramatically strengthened his case for a spot in India's upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.
A Record-Breaking Innings in Ahmedabad
Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Ishan Kishan unleashed a brutal assault on the Karnataka bowling attack. The left-hander smashed an astonishing 125 runs from just 39 deliveries, a knock that included seven fours and a massive 14 sixes. His strike rate was a mind-boggling 320.51.
This incredible hundred, reached in only 33 balls, is now officially the second-fastest century by an Indian in List A cricket history. Remarkably, he missed equalling the record by a single ball. The record is held by Bihar captain Sakibul Gani, who scored a 32-ball ton against Arunachal Pradesh earlier on the same day.
From T20 World Cup Recall to Vijay Hazare Dominance
Kishan's timing is impeccable. The 25-year-old was recently recalled to the Indian T20 squad for the World Cup, a reward for his stellar performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In that tournament, he amassed 517 runs and played a match-winning century in the final to power Jharkhand to their maiden title.
His latest Vijay Hazare Trophy masterclass further proves his red-hot form. Jharkhand, after being asked to bat first by Karnataka, had a shaky start, losing openers Utkarsh Singh (8) and Shubh Sharma (15) early. Shikhar Mohan contributed 44 before a 129-run partnership between Virat Singh (88 off 68 balls) and Kumar Kushagra (63) steadied the ship.
Propelling Jharkhand to a Mammoth Total
It was after this foundation that Ishan Kishan exploded onto the scene. His brutal hitting in the death overs propelled Jharkhand to a colossal total of 412 for 9 in their 50 overs. His innings single-handedly shifted the momentum and put the game out of Karnataka's reach.
This performance is a powerful statement from a player eager to reclaim his place in India's 50-over setup. With the New Zealand ODI series on the horizon, selectors will find it extremely difficult to ignore a player capable of such destructive and match-winning innings.
