The first day of the Duleep Trophy’s second round saw Ishan Kishan’s terrific return to First-class cricket after more than a year. The wicketkeeper-batter scored a blistering hundred for India C against India B at the Rural Development Trust Stadium B in Anantapur. His 111-run knock, laced with 14 boundaries and 3 sixes, helped India C post 357/5 at stumps.
Before Kishan’s heroics, India C captain Ruturaj Gaikwad walked off the field after getting retired hurt. He opened the innings after his counter after the India B skipper, Abhimanyu Easwaran chose to field first. But he reportedly twisted his ankle while picking up a single. However, any major concern over Gaikwad’s fitness was allayed when he came out to bat after Kishan’s dismissal, making an unbeaten 46 to guard the crease along with Manav Suthar.
Meanwhile, Baba Indrajith’s impressive 78-run knock added to India C’s dominance on Thursday. In fact, he stitched 189 runs for the third wicket stand to take his side to a commanding position.
On the other hand, Mukesh Kumar was the pick of the India B bowlers, returning 3/76 while Navdeep Saini (1/78) and Rahul Chahar (1/35) picked up a wicket apiece.
Mulani Leads India A’s Fightback
In another game held at the Rural Development Trust Stadium, Anantapur, lower-order batter Shams Mulani led India A’s fightback after the top-order stumbled against India D. He forged a 91-run stand with fellow Mumbai teammate Tanush Kotian to save the day for India A who were reduced to 93 for five inside the first session.
Mulani returned unbeaten on 88 at stumps on Day 1 while Kotian smashed 53 off 80 balls before falling prey to Saurabh Kumar. The latter’s innings was laced with 6 boundaries and a maximum.
Young all-rounder Riyan Parag produced some exquisite strokeplay but was guilty of not staying long enough in the middle once again. He scored 37 off 29 with the help of 5 boundaries and a six.
India A’ top three faltered as the newly-added batter from Railways, Pratham Singh could score just 7 off 33 while skipper Mayank Agarwal’s lean run continued in the tournament. The latter also scored 7 runs before walking back to the hut. Left-hander Tilak Verma, who walked out at no. 3, accumulated just 10 runs off 33 balls.
Pacer Harshit Rana was impressive once again for India D while Vidwath Kaverappa, playing his first game of the tournament, removed Agarwal and Pratham Singh in the morning session.
(With Agency Inputs)
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