Ishan Kishan’s 111 off a mere 126 deliveries ensured that India C ended Day 1 at 357 for 5 at stumps, in the second round of the Duleep Trophy against India B, at the Rural Development Trust Stadium B in Anantapur. Baba Indrajith scored 78, helping India C past the 300-run mark. The two batters stitched a partnership of 189 runs for the third wicket. Mukesh Kumar’s 3 for 76 allowed India B to peg back the batting side towards the end of day’s play.
India C, however, will be encouraged by the return of Ruturaj Gaikwad, their captain, who had retired hurt in the very first over after twisting his ankle. Gaikwad, who returned to bat at the fall of Indrajith’s wicket, added 42 more to his score to remain unbeaten on 46 at stumps.
B Sai Sudharsan and Rajat Patidar, both seeking to firmly cement themselves as first back-up middle order picks, couldn’t build on strong starts, making 43 and 40 respectively.
Patidar was first bowled by Navdeep Saini on 40, after which Sudharsan was caught by Saini off Mukesh for 43. Kishan and Indrajith then frustrated the bowlers in a partnership which exceeded 40 overs. Kishan especially, put on a show as he scored 14 boundaries and three maximums.
