Ishan Kishan, the captain of East Zone, struck a stunning hundred on Day 1 of the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2026 final match. The southpaw was brilliant against South Zone at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, scoring runs with great intent. During his stay at the crease, Kishan also completed 4,000 runs in First-Class cricket, achieving this feat in just 109 innings.
How the Innings Unfolded
Batting first in the game, East Zone were off to a flying start with openers Abhimanyu Easwaran scoring 72 runs and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi contributing 44 runs, adding 100 runs in no time. Kishan walked out to bat at number five with the team score being 147 for three. The wicketkeeper-batter took the innings forward with a 94-run stand with Shikhar Mohan, who made 85 runs. Kishan further added 144 runs with Kumar Kushagra, who remained unbeaten on 63, en route to his hundred. Both batters returned unbeaten as East Zone piled up a massive 385 for four on the opening day.
Read More: India vs Afghanistan T20I Series: Hits and Misses of the Indian Squad
Kishan’s Outstanding Performance
Kishan scored an unbeaten 111 off just 135 deliveries on Day 1, hammering 14 fours and a six. His innings was a display of controlled aggression as he kept the scoreboard moving while building crucial partnerships with his teammates.
First-Class Career Milestones
With this knock, Kishan has now raced to 4,063 runs across 67 First-Class games at an average of around 40. The century against South Zone was his 10th hundred in First-Class cricket, and he also owns 19 fifties. His highest score is an impressive 273. The middle-order batter’s consistency and ability to convert starts into big scores have been key factors in his successful domestic cricket career.
Kishan’s Test Career
Kishan made his First-Class debut way back in December 2014 and earned his maiden Test cap in July 2023. He has played two Tests so far, both in the 2023 West Indies tour, scoring 78 runs with the help of a fifty. His previous scores in the ongoing Duleep Trophy read 4, 16, and 39 not out, making his century in the final a timely return to form.